2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
LING5290M Second Language Acquisition
30 creditsClass Size: 24
Module manager: Professor Cecile De Cat
Email: C.DeCat@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
Pre-requisites
| LING5410M | Foundations of Syntax |
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the study of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research and its relevance in understanding multilingualism in a global world. We survey and evaluate the most important theories, look at significant research findings, comparing empirical studies from different language learning contexts in and out of the classroom. Topics covered include SLA theories, the role of the native language, and educational exposure. This module gives students an insight into how language is acquired and how language works. It should enable students to develop their analytical skills, their ability to think critically and express their ideas clearly in oral discussion and written work, as well as their ability to understand sound research design.Objectives
This module aims to:1. provide an introduction to current research on second language acquisition in and out of the classroom 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. provide students with the opportunity to critically evaluate theoretical models and hypotheses by applying them to the analysis of data from second language learners
3. allow students to learn relevant methodological and practical aspects of experimental design
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. demonstrate a coherent and detailed understanding of the terminology, concepts, information, practical competencies and techniques used in language acquisition research
2. understand the importance of second language acquisition research in linguistic and pedagogic theories in general
3. critically analyse aspects of experimental design and methodology used in second language acquisition research
4. read and show critical awareness of the literature in scientific journals
5. identify and motivate a valid research question, translate it into a testable hypothesis, and sketch an appropriate research design to test that hypothesis
6. demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between theory and data in second language acquisition research, and the importance of a theory's explanatory power
7. demonstrate an understanding of the competitive nature of opposing theories, and to be able to assess the contribution of evidence to conflicting claims
Syllabus
This module consists of 10 lectures, 10 seminars and 10 tutorials (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 and other learning mechanisms, age and cognitive-factors, the role of input and interaction in foreign and second-language settings.
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
Students are expected to devote 270 hours of private study time to this module, with the following suggested breakdown:- 10 hours reading per week = 100 hours
- 5 hours per week to prepare for seminars = 50 hours
- 20 hours of participation in tutorials
- 100 hours of preparation for assessment
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students are encouraged to participate actively in the seminars, where readings and tasks are discussed in detail and formative feedback given at the time. Exercise model answers are provided for self-monitoring of progress. Students are able to complete a mock research design task, on which they receive feedback before they submit the formally assessed research design. Students can also submit an optional essay outline for feedback before formal submission.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 2,500 words | 70.00 |
| Research Proposal | 1,500 words | 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 websiteLast updated: 28/04/2023 14:41:56
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