Module Catalogue

SEL3430 : Advanced Second Language Acquisition

  • Offered for Year: 2025/26
  • 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 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
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
Essay2M301,500 words
Written exercise2A702,500 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
Report2M500-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