Second Language Reading

Catalog description

Theoretical and practical introduction to concepts, methods and practices of research and instruction of second language reading development. APLNG 570 APLNG 570 Second Language Reading (3) This graduate seminar is designed to provide a theoretical and practical introduction to the assumptions underlying and principles embodying a variety of approaches to second language reading development and instruction. In addition, it seeks to explicate the role of second language reading in the larger context of second language development. It will be offered every other year as one of the course options in language learning and teaching, an area of concentration for both the MA TESL and PhD in APLNG degree programs in LALS. While the main draw will be graduate students in LALS, the course may be of interest to graduate students in the foreign language departments and linguist ics. The expected total enrollment is 15. Topics addressed in course readings and activities include: 1) the epistemological underpinnings of the notion of second language literacies; 2) psycholinguistic, critical and sociocultural approaches towards second language reading; 3) variables affecting second language reading performance; 4) strategies and instruction to influence second language reading development; 5) assessment of second language learners' reading performance, and 6) critical evaluation of instructional materials for a variety of second language learning contexts. Through participation in a variety of activities, it is expected that students will: 1) develop an understanding of second language literacies, 2) develop critical understanding of the variables and processes involved in L2 reading, 3) develop a principled conception of L2 reading instruction, 4) integrate L2 reading into the broader disciplinary area of second language learning and L2 proficiency, and 5) develop practical skills of designing and evaluating L2 instructional materials. Evaluation of students learning includes the following components: 1) completion and discussion of required readings; 2) presentation of key instructional approaches; and 3) completion of a paper addressing a theoretical, instructional or research issue in second language reading.