Second Lang Acquis & Lrning

Catalog description

This course focuses on the study of existing approaches to describing second language acquisition and learning. Drawing on current research in the field of linguistics, we will explore various aspects of language (e.g., negation, questions, references to the past) as well as particular factors (e.g., age, motivation, personality, learner beliefs) that affect the acquisition and learning of specific languages. Paying particular attention to English language learning, we will devote significant course time to understanding L2 developmental sequences as they relate to theories of acquisition and learning based on social, psychological and educational frameworks. Students will also be challenged to consider the relationship between their understanding of and experiences with language acquisition and learning as well as the relationship between language learning theories and language teaching. This course will be beneficial to students who are majoring or minoring in Linguistics and/or TESOL or who plan to teach language (English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, etc.) at any level; it will also be of interest to students who are studying a second language and want to understand the adult language learning process more fully.