Syllabus | Journals

Course Description:

This course will provide an overview of the theories and approaches to the study of second language acquisition from a range of perspectives (e.g., linguistics, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, cognitive science). We will focus on adult SLA and will consider the nature of the new language system that learners create, often with only limited exposure to the second language. Topics include the role of the native language, universal grammar, acquisition vs. learning, interlanguage, input and interaction, learner processes and strategies. The goal is to deepen our understanding of the complex processes and mechanisms that drive L2 acquisition.

Course Materials:

• Doughty, C. J., & Long, M. H. (Eds.). (2003). The handbook of second language acquisition. Oxford: Blackwell. [recommended]
• Gass, S. M., & Selinker, L. (2001). Second language acquisition: An introductory course. (2nd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. [required]
• Gass, S., Sorace, A., & Selinker, L. (1999). Second language learning: Data analysis. (2nd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. [required]

Course Requirements:

• Reading, active participation in discussions, leading one class discussion. To prepare for leading the discussion, select a few key ideas from the chapter or article and prepare questions for discussion. You should assume that everyone will have read the chapter/article, so you do not need to summarize it. Most important is to identify controversial or confusing issues that can be discussed during class. You are also encouraged to read supplementary articles, to be suggested by the instructor.
  
• Analyzing data sets.
  
• Two annotated reviews of SLA articles:

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Syllabus