SEL3430 : Advanced Second Language Acquisition
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Sujeewa Hettiarachchi
- Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 60 student places
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 | |
Aims
This module advances students’ understanding of key aspects and theories of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), with a primary focus on cognitive and generative approaches. It examines second language development across core linguistic domains—phonology, morpho-syntax, semantics, and the lexicon—by exploring how universals, cognitive mechanisms, and external influences interact in shaping the acquisition process. Students will acquire advanced knowledge of cognitive and generative SLA theories and develop advanced skills in analysing second language data.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module will cover the following topics:
a) Cognitive and generative theories of SLA
b) Instructed versus uninstructed second language learning
c) First-language transfer and its impact on second language acquisition
d) Second language development across core linguistic domains: phonology, morpho-syntax, semantics, and the
lexicon
e) Collecting, analysing, and interpreting second language data
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 27:00 | 27:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL8690 | Advanced Topics in Second Language Acquisition |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
LECTURES are used, primarily, to impart information and provide an overall coherence for the module. – SEMINARS are used to consolidate students’ understanding of the lecture and reading materials as well as for the planning and preparation of assignments. GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY is used for the preparation of seminar exercises as well as for the preparation and completion of assignments.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 30 | 1,500 words |
| Written exercise | 2 | A | 70 | 2,500 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 500-word report on an aspect of SLA |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay and written exercise will test students' critical reading, analytical, presentation and argumentation skills.
The formative assessment provides students with an opportunity to practise and receive feedback on skills required for completion of the summative assignments.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL3430's Timetable