SEL3430 : Advanced Second Language Acquisition
SEL3430 : Advanced 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
- Capacity limit: 60 student places
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 | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SEL1027 | Introduction to the Structure of Language 1: Phonetics, Phonology & Morphology |
| SEL2237 | Introduction to Second Language Acquisition |
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
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)
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of this module, it is anticipated that students will be able to:
- explain the main theories of second language acquisition and how they interact;
- account for the different effects of instructed and uninstructed second language learning;
- evaluate second language acquisition from cognitive, psychological and social perspectives;
- assess the role of literacy in second language development;
- design and conduct empirical investigations into second language acquisition.
Intended Skill Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will have developed the following transferable skills:
- critical reading
- research design skills
- empirical data collection & analysis skills
- oral & written argumentation & presentation skills
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | 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.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 30 | 1,500 words |
| Essay | 1 | 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 | 1 | M | 500-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.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL3430's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL3430's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
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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.