2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC5992M Introduction to Second Language Acquisition

30 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Martin Lamb
Email: M.V.Lamb@education.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of the module students should be able to:
- understand and analyse the main features of existing L2 learning theories;
- understand and be able to discuss critically current trends in the field of SLA research;
- discuss the practical implications of theories and research for classroom English language teaching;
- critically discuss the relevance of such implications to language learning in the Chinese context.

Skills outcomes
- critical reading and thinking
- working in groups
- working individually
- evaluating of analytical frameworks
- applying analytical frameworks

Syllabus

This modules looks at current evidence based research into the mental processes involved in learning a second or foreign language and the conditions that are thought support or hinder the second language learning process.

The content of this module includes:

- differences between child L1 and adult L2 acquisition (e.g. age, affect, cognitive development);
- theoretical models of SLA (e.g. UG and SLA, cognitive approaches, information processing);
- descriptions of interlanguage development (e.g. order of acquisition);
- the role of L1 in SLA (e.g. L1 interference, similarities and differences between L1 and L2);
- factors affecting second language learning (i.e. linguistic, cognitive, environmental, physiological);
- individual learner differences (e.g. motivation, aptitude, personality, learner strategies);
- relationships between SLA research and classroom teaching;
- critically evaluating experiences of teaching language skills.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	3.00	33.00
Private study hours			267.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

180 hours of seminar preparation, being 15 hours per seminar
84 hours assignment preparation

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Through monitoring of student participation and learning outcomes of in-class tasks; out-of-class tasks; and of class participation.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	6,000 words or equivalent	100.00
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: 29/04/2024 16:13:19

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