ALM5250

Second language acquisition

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

Heather Lotherington

12 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives Students successfully completing this subject should understand the theories and processes of second language acquisition, be able to test them empirically and relate them to their own experience and needs as language teachers, learners and/or policy planners.

Synopsis This subject introduces students to the study of second language acquisition and attrition. In it we explore 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 will be able to work on problems in their teaching language.

Assessment Seminar (2000 words): 25%
* Major assignment (5000 words): 50%
* Take-home test: 25%

Prescribed texts

Ellis R The study of second language acquisition OUP, 1994