Course Description

Course Objectives:

1. To provide students with an overview of the most current theories and approaches of language learning, including theories from linguistics and psychology.
2. To acquaint students with the key concepts and issues in language learning.
3. To provide students with a survey of major perspectives on second language acquisition processes, including CA, EA, IL theory, the Monitor Model, acculturation/pidginization theory, cognitive/connectionist theory, and linguistic universals.
4. Through term paper and presentation, to develop in the students the ability to extract and summarize relevant material from original texts, and the ability to present material orally and in writing.

 Textbook 

 McLaughlin, Barry. (1987) Theories of Second Language Learning. Maryland: Edward Arnold.

 References:

1. Lightbown, P. & Spada, N. (1993) How Languages are learned, Oxford: Oxford U. P.
2.  Ellis, Rod. (1994) The Study of Second Language Acquisition, Oxford: Oxford U.P.
3. Brown, H. (1994) Principles of Language Learning and Teaching, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Course Requirements:

1.      Class Reflections on this  blog                                      10 points

2.      Presentation                                                                   5 points

3.      CA paper  contrasting an element of L1 and L2.            10 points

4.      A position paper                                                           15 points

5.      Final Examination                                                          60 points