SFE20812 English: Language Acquisition (Autumn 2012)

The course is connected to the following study programs

Obligatory subject within the 90 study credits English Extension Course. May be taken as part of the Bachelor of Arts in Society, Language and Culture. May also be taken as an elective.

Lecture Semester

English extension course: Autumn 2012

Part of Bachelor of Arts  in society, language, and culture 3d or 5^th semester (autumn)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

KNOWLEDGE:

-          Students have an understanding of the theoretical and methodological aspects of language acquisition studies

-          Students hve developped an understanding of the role various factors play in the process of acquiring a second language

-          Through analysis of grammatical phenomena in the English learner data, they have improved their knowledge of the English grammar

SKILLS:

Students have:

-          practical skills in analysing linguistic data

-          generic research skills and skills in writing formal reports which combine data analysis with argumentation

GENERAL COMPETENCE:

The course has helped students

-          to improve their analytical skills,

-          to develop critical approach to research

-          to improve communicative skills, both oral and written

Content

This course provides an introduction to language acquisition research and includes: (i) theories of first and second language acquisition and (ii) analysis of learner data, with special emphasis on the data produced by learners of English.

We will discuss different theoretical frameworks and methods used for the analysis of learner data. The seminars will offer students practice in applying methods and interpreting results of their own analysis of the English learner data.

Forms of teaching and learning

Lectures and seminars.
In addition, students are expected to complete all practical exercises from the seminars and to read the obligatory texts.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

Students are to submit a written assignment which has to be approved by the lecturer for the student to be allowed to sit for the exam.

Examination

5-day take-home written exam on a given topic
The paper should address the topic based on linguistic data, syllabus and any other relevant literature. It should reflect the knowledge of the curriculum and the ability to analyze linguistic data. The final paper should not exceed 10 pages (Times New Roman, 12 pt, double space). A bibliography of sources referred to in the text should be presented at the end of the paper (and comes in addition to the 10 pages of the main text).
Grade scale A-F.

Course evaluation

Feedback from students is gathered from a mid-semester oral evaluation and a questionnaire at the end of the course.

Literature

To be added later.