Across the world, people who have already developed the ability to use a language from birth start to learn other languages. For some, additional language learning is required of them, for example, at school. For others, the new language encounter has motivations such as economic opportunity, survival, ancestral connection, love and belonging. How do humans manage this complex task? What affects their success with a new language? This course offers insight into these questions about the learning of additional languages. It introduces the main theoretical approaches and empirical methods in second language acquisition (SLA) research. Topics will include features of language learners and their learning processes (e.g. age, cross-linguistic influences), individual influences on language development (e.g. motivation, aptitude) and social dimensions (e.g. identity). Students will be encouraged to critically reflect on their own experiences as language learners and/or their experiences in relevant professional capacities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:1. Explain and apply key concepts and issues in the field of SLA
2. Recognise and explain key SLA theories and related methodological approaches
3. Critically evaluate SLA research
4. Formulate and carry out an SLA research project
Indicative Assessment
A theoretically-informed reflection on additional language learning at a community or individual level (1000 words) with a 200-word summary for discussion board (10%) [LO 1, 2]A critical evaluation of a SLA study (2000 words- 40%) [LO 1, 2, 3]
An SLA research project (3000 words - 50%) [LO 1, 2, 3, 4]
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
2.5 contact hours per week for 13 weeks. Students are expected to undertake a further 7.5 hours of independent study (e.g. reading and completing assignments) each teaching week of the semester (total 130 hours).
Requisite and Incompatibility
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 |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3054 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4368 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3917 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
