Module Catalogue

SEL3430 : Advanced Second Language Acquisition

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
  • 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 1 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This module will advance students' understanding of different aspects and theories of Second Language Acquisition (SLA). It will explore how different acquisition contexts (e.g. classroom learning vs. community acquisition), different external factors (e.g. cognitive, psychological, social), and different literacy levels affect second language development. It will also examine how universals and first-language transfer affect second language acquisition across different linguistic domains (morpho-syntax, phonology, lexicon). Students will acquire advanced knowledge of SLA theories and develop advanced skills in analysing second language data.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will cover some of the following:
1. Different theories of second language acquisition
2. Instructed versus uninstructed second language learning
3. Cognitive, psychological and social perspectives on second language acquisition
4. Literacy and second language development
5. First-language transfer in second language acquisition (across different linguistic domains)

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture221:0022:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion150:0050:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading150:0050:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching111:0011:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyProject work140:0040:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study127:0027:00N/A
Total200:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
SEL8690Advanced 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
Essay1M301,500 words
Essay1A702,500 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
Report1M500-word report on an aspect of SLA
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The two essays 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