Second Language Learning (for MSc Social Research Methods)

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Use information technology appropriately to support oral presentations and produce written reports
• Identify, select and draw upon a wide range of reference resources, printed and electronic;
• Plan and produce an extended academic paper, using current primary research literature
• Analyse authentic data and communicate your analysis orally, in discussion and in formal presentations
• Develop and maintain a personal bibliography

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Compare and evaluate current theories of first and second language acquisition
• Evaluate language instruction in the light of developments in language learning theory
• Review and evaluate empirical research in the field, and assess how far it confirms/ disconfirms particular learning theories
• Carry out small scale analyses of child language and second language learner data, from a variety of theoretical perspectives

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Key theoretical constructs in language learning theory
• The major theoretical perspectives on second language acquisition, and be able to compare and contrast them
• Different approaches to the empirical analysis of learner language, from a variety of theoretical perspectives
• The implications of different theoretical positions for classroom language learning and teaching

First language acquisition, including bilingual acquisition and language development in exceptional circumstances (e.g. deaf children, William Syndrome children etc.)

Second language acquisition, giving particular focus to the following issues:

• Similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition
• the role of the first language in the second language acquisition process
• the role played by Universal Grammar
• the role played by cognitive mechanisms
• the role played by social factors
• the role played by individual differences
• variability and incompleteness
• the acquisition of grammar and of vocabulary.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Tutor led seminars;
• Student led workshops;
• Virtual learning environment (Blackboard site);
• Individual tutorials to support assignment/ project planning.

Learning activities include

• Extensive reading of assigned texts, in preparation for weekly seminars
• Analysis of data and presentation of analyses, in workshop sessions
• Individual assembly of bibliography and private study, in preparation for major written assignment.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Ellis, R and Barkhuizen, G (2004). Analysing Learner Language. Oxford University Press.

Lightbown P. & Spada N. (1993). How Languages Are Learned. Oxford University Press.

Foster-Cohen, S. (1999). An Introduction to Child Language Development. Addison Wesley Longman.

Mitchell, R. & Myles, F. (2004). Second Language Learning Theories. Arnold..

Ellis, R (1997). Second Language Acquisition. Oxford University Press.

Romaine, S (1989). Bilingualism. Blackwell.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External