Linguistics: Second Language Acquisition (A)

About LING 2320 A

Exploration of first language influence, individual cognitive differences, and age in second language acquisition. The role of interaction, socialization, and identity are also considered. Prerequisite: LING 1500 or PSYS 1400. Cross-listed with: PSYS 2120.

Notes

Prereqs enforced by the system: LING 1500 or PSYS 1400; Crosslisted with PSYS 2120 Total combined enrollment = 30 PACE students with permission and override

Section Description

In this course students will learn about the linguistic, cognitive and social variables that are involved in adult second language (L2) acquisition. We will explore topics such as: the influence of a native language on the foreign/second language; the role of individual cognitive differences (in memory, attention, automaticity, etc.); age as a barrier for the acquisition of a foreign tongue; and different learning theories that have been applied to L2 acquisition (behaviorism, nativism, functionalism, emergentism, etc.). We will also tackle issues of the social realm that condition the acquisition process: how interaction influences language learning; pragmatic development in an L2; language socialization, and identity and the L2 speaker. Another avenue we will survey in this course is the role of instruction when compared to the performance of people who have acquired an L2 naturalistically. Additionally, this course will expose students to some of the main methods in L2 research.

Section Expectation

This course combines lecture and discussion formats. Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours per week on coursework outside of class, with additional time for the semester-long project.

Evaluation

Grades will be based on participation, weekly assignments, a midterm exam, a final exam and a final project.

Important Dates

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

• Parking
• PACE Course Pricing
• Textbooks