The course aims for you to:
- understand different theoretical approaches to L2 acquisition and be able to compare and evaluate them;
- be able to describe and evaluate different factors which play a role in L2 acquisition;
- be able to read and evaluate the gist of primary literature;
- understand and be able to reproduce the basic concepts and methodologies used in L2 acquisition research;
- be able to analyse L2 data and relate them to relevant theories;
- be able to identify (unanswered) questions in L2 acquisition research and make relevant predictions;
- be capable of synthesising this newly acquired knowledge into a research proposal, which might serve as the basis for a BA thesis.
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In this course we examine how adults and children acquire a second language (L2). This involves looking at similarities and differences with first language acquisition, the role of factors such as age, motivation and aptitude in L2 acquisition, and the implications of second language acquisition research for teaching. Apart from discussing theoretical notions from the field, we will also consider how to measure, analyse and interpret L2 learner data. In doing so, we will pay specific attention to research methodology.
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The course builds on previous linguistics courses in the BA programme (Introduction to Linguistics, Phonetics, From Sounds to Words, Syntax), but none of these is a prerequisite to taking the course.
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Apart from two written exams, you are expected to write a research proposal at the end of the course. The proposal addresses a specific research question related to the course topic, which should be approved prior to submission. Members of a pair receive the same grade. More details concerning the structure and contents, as well as detailed assessment criteria for the research proposal (in the form of a rubric) will be given as the course progresses. Resit grades are capped (max 6), unless a completely new proposal is submitted.
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