2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LING5290M Second Language Acquisition

30 creditsClass Size: 24

Module manager: Cecile De Cat
Email: c.decat@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisites

LING5410M

Foundations of Syntax

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the study of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research. We will survey and evaluate the most important theories, look at signicant research findings, discuss experimental designs. You will be shown how to formulate research hypotheses and design experiments to test them adequately. Critical reading of the literature will inform the lectures and seminars.Topics covered include: SLA theories, the role of the native language, the role of Universal Grammar, age factors, the role of the input, the acquisition of syntax and morphology.This module will give you an insight into how language is acquired and how language works. It should enable you to develop your analytical skills, your ability to think critically and express your ideas clearly, as well as your ability to conduct sound research.The main objectives of the module are1. To provide an introduction to current research on Second Language Acquisition through the main theories and important research findings, especially focusing on the part of second language acquisition thought to be constrained by principles of Universal Grammar.2. To provide the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical models and hypotheses by applying them to the analysis of data from second language learners.3. To teach relevant methodological and practical aspects of experimental design.To do well in this module, you need to attend all lectures, seminars and workshops, to do all the required readings in advance and prepare them to the best of your abilities, and to participate actively in all the discussions and exercises.

Objectives

The objectives of this module are:
- to provide an introduction to current research on Second Language Acquisition through the main theories and important research findings, especially focusing on the part of second language acquisition thought to be constrained by principles of Universal Grammar;
- to provide the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical models and hypotheses by applying them to the analysis of data from second language learners;
- to learn relevant methodological and practical aspects of experimental design.

Syllabus

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the study of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research. We will survey and evaluate the most important theories, look at significant research findings, discuss experimental designs. Students will be shown how to formulate research hypotheses and design experiments to test them adequately. Critical reading of the literature will inform the lectures and seminars.

The module will consist in 10 lectures, 10 workshops and 10 seminars (some of them based on self-study, with on-line guidance). Topics covered include: SLA theories, the role of the native language, the role of Universal Grammar, age factors, the role of the input, the acquisition of syntax and morphology.

This module will be of relevance to anyone who is interested in how language is acquired and how language works. Students keen to invest themselves in this module will develop their analytical skills, their ability to think critically and express their ideas clearly both orally and in writing, as well as their ability to conduct sound research.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Tutorial	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			270.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

- 100 hours: 10 hours reading per week
- 50 hours: 5 hours per week to prepare for seminars
- 20 hours: on-line seminars
- 100 hours: preparation for coursework assignment.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Students will be encouraged to participate actively in the seminars, where exercises will be discussed in detail.
- Model answers will be provided for self-monitoring of progress.
- Feedback on a mock research-design project will be provided by Week 7 (before Easter break).

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 4,000 word essay (to submit by Week 11 - after Easter break)	70.00
Project	1 x 2,000 word research-design project (to submit by Week 8 - before the Easter break)	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/06/2016

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