LG503-7-AU-CO:
Theories of Second Language Acquisition
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Inactive
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
19 April 2021
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module will provide an introduction to the processes involved in the acquisition of language and the nature of the learner's knowledge of language. The emphasis of the module is on some of the different theoretical approaches which have been adopted for studying language learning. These different theories will be examined and critically assessed in the light of empirical evidence.
The module will focus on the following issues:
• First language acquisition
• Second language acquisition:
• developmental sequences
• similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition and between child and adult second language acquisition
• the role of the first language in the second language acquisition process
• the role played by Universal Grammar
• the role played by cognitive mechanisms
• the role played by age of initial exposure, input and interaction and psycho-social factors
• The complexity of the interaction between innate linguistic knowledge, general learning mechanisms and social factors in language acquisition
By the end of the module, students will:
• understand key theoretical constructs used in the field of language acquisition
• be aware of past and current issues in the generative study of the acquisition of morpho-syntax
• be able to evaluate, compare and contrast major theoretical perspectives
• be able to evaluate the theoretical and empirical research literature
Additionally, students will practise and develop the following generic skills:
• taking notes effectively, in classes and from their own readings
• researching focused topics in appropriate books, journals and electronic sources
constructing a coherent argument based on a range of theoretical and empirical evidence
One two-hour seminar per week (groups of 15-20 max) for ten weeks. Broadly speaking, the first part of the seminar will introduce a theoretical framework, and the second part will involve student-centred exercises or group tasks, and discussion of issues raised in the lectures or associated readings. The core text for this module is 'Mitchell, Myles & Marsden (2019; 4th ed.). Second language learning theories. London: Routledge.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Additional coursework information
N/A
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Florence Myles, email: fmyles@essex.ac.uk.
Florence Myles
4.131, fmyles@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
Dr Vivienne Esther Rogers
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can
be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements,
industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist
of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules.
The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.