Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the study of second language acquisition and attrition. The relation between first and second language acquisition; learning/acquisition contexts; foreign language learning vs second language acquisition; contrastive and error analysis; interlanguage; learner variability - age, aptitude, cognitive styles, attitude and motivation; theories of second language acquisition; learning strategies; classroom interaction analysis; implications for curriculum content; and attrition as the inverse of acquisition. Students work on problems in a language of interest to them.

Assessment

Written Work (9,000 words in total): 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Julie Bradshaw and Dr Robyn Spence-Brown