SEL8701 : Foundations in Second Language Acquisition
SEL8701 : Foundations in Second Language Acquisition
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Sujeewa Hettiarachchi
- Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL8116 | Syntactic Analysis |
| SEL8117 | Phonetics and Phonology |
Pre Requisite Comment
SEL8116 and SEL8117 or equivalent.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module provides a foundation in second language acquisition. It introduces students to the nature of second language (L2) competence, to the internal and external influences involved in its acquisition, and to how second language acquisition research is conducted.
Outline Of Syllabus
An overview of the main issues, hypotheses, models and theories in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and the research which revolves around them.
Research and issues in SLA
L2 functional morphology
L2 morphosyntax and syntax L1 transfer and universals
Age in L2 morphosyntax/syntax
Input for acquisition of morphosyntax/syntax
Age in L2 phonology
L2 phonology: L1 transfer and universals
Input for acquisition of phonology
Individual psychological differences (aptitude; personality, etc.)
Social context in second language acquisition
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
• similarities and differences between children’s L1A and (adults’) L2A
• the role of the learner’s first/native language in L2 acquisition
• acquisition in two domains of language (morphosyntax/syntax; phonology)
• stages in the L2A of morphosyntax, syntax and phonology
• the role played by internal linguistic and cognitive factors in L2A
• the role played by external factors in L2A
Intended Skill Outcomes
•taking notes effectively, from lectures and from published sources
•researching a topic in appropriate books, journals and electronic sources
•analysing L2 learner data
•visually presenting results
•writing reports
•constructing a coherent argument based on empirical evidence
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 47 | 1:00 | 47:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 60 | 1:00 | 60:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 60 | 1:00 | 60:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL2237 | Introduction to Second Language Acquisition |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
N/A
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 50 | 2000-word data analysis & interpretation exercise |
| Essay | 2 | A | 50 | 2000-word essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The PROBLEM-SOLVING EXERCISE tests students’ skills in data analysis and interpretation that they will have acquired and practised during seminars.
The ESSAY tests students’ critical and writing skills. Students use the acquired critical skills to explore a topic in Second Language Acquisition and write up their argumentation as a critical essay.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL8701's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL8701's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.