This course gives an overview of the field of second language acquisition research. The study of second language acquisition started out as a primarily pedagogical enterprise and has now taken a distinctly cognitive slant. This course will trace the historic factors leading to this development, in particular theory formation and the analysis of observational data. A number of approaches to the explanation of language acquisition will be reviewed and evaluated against the background of empirical research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- understand the complex nature of learning a second language.
- identify aspects of learning which are shared by all learners as well as many areas of difference between them.
- demonstrate a basic understanding of specific language acquisition theories and be able to assess their suitability for describing and/or explaining different dimensions of language learning.
- conduct a small study on the acquisition of English as a second language demonstrating their ability to:
a) collect their own data based on methodological principles taught in the course;
b) apply Processability Theory in analysing their data and determining which stage of acquisition their learner has reached with respect to word order as well as morphology;
c) produce a research report which presents their data and findings in ways appropriate to the discipline.
Indicative Assessment
2 assignments of 600 words each (20% each = 40%) [LO 1,2,3]
Pilot project of 1,000 words (20%) [LO 4a,c]
Empirical research project of 1,500 words (40%) [LO 4a,b,c]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
In addition to the 2.5 weekly contact hours, students will be expected to spend an average of 7.5 hours per week reading and completing assignments.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
General reading brick (Available on WebCT);
Further background reading (Available from Chifley Short Loan);
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $2604 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3576 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3313 | 16 Feb 2015 | 06 Mar 2015 | 31 Mar 2015 | 29 May 2015 | In Person | N/A |
