Second Language Acquisition

Subject LING90012 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
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

On campus and online

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 contact hours/week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, an additional 7 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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Carsten Roever

Contact

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:

Understanding Second Language Acquisition (Lourdes Ortega) London: Hodder Arnold 2009

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)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English Language
Language Testing
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Lingusitics and Applied Lingusitics
Lingusitics and Applied Lingusitics
TESOL
Technology in Language Learning

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