Second Language Acquisition

Subject 175-522 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week. For students taking this subject online: 2 hours of online work related to course materials (activities, self-assessment, bulletin board discussion)
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 7 additional hours/week. Total of 9 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Carsten Roever

Contact

Dr Carsten Roever
carsten@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject offers a survey of the principal topics currently addressed in the study of second language acquisition, and of the major research methods and paradigms used in such studies. Students should expect to be able to understand critical observation; description and analysis of second language learners and their language performance; the social and psychological aspects of second language learning situations; and the special characteristics of learner language.
Objectives:
  • have a broad understanding of the scope and core concepts in second language acquisition (SLA);
  • be aware of the major research methods and paradigms that inform research in SLA;
  • be able to critically appraise studies of second language learning;
  • be able to understand the social and psychological aspects of SLA, learner performance data, and special characteristics of learner language.
Assessment: Four homework assignments of 500 words each (40%) and a 3000 word assignment (60%).
Prescribed Texts: Gass, S.M and Selinker, L (2008) Second Language Acquisition: An Introductory Course. London: Routledge
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to think critically;
  • be able to determine the strength of an argument;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically.
Notes: Subject offered as both online and on-campus. Some restrictions on student visa holders apply. Please contact the subject coordinator for more information.
Related Course(s): M.A.Applied Linguistics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Master of Applied Linguistics (English Language)
Master of Applied Linguistics (Language Test&Language Program Evaluation
Master of Applied Linguistics (Technology in Language Learning)
Master of Applied Linguistics(TESOL)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Language Testing and Language Program Evaluation

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