SEL8690 : Advanced Topics in Second Language Acquisition
SEL8690 : Advanced Topics in 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
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
Pre Requisite Comment
Some foundation in Second Language Acquisition, syntax and phonology required. If in doubt, please consult the DPD or module leader.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module will advance students’ critical understanding of key theories of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), and teach them advanced-lvevel methods in SLA research. It will explore how acquisition contexts (e.g. classroom learning vs. community acquisition), external factors (e.g. cognitive, psychological, social) and literacy interact in the acquisition process. It will also examine how universals and first-language transfer affect second language acquisition across the different linguistic domains (morpho-syntax, phonology, lexicon). Students will explore empirical data to design viable research questions into current topics in SLA.
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:
• critically evaluate the merits and drawbacks of theories of second language acquisition;
• 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 original research projects investigations into second language acquisition.
Intended Skill Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will have developed the following transferable skills:
• research design & execution skills
• empirical data collection & analysis skills
• oral & written argumentation & presentation skills
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 | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 49:00 | 49:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Project work | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 48:00 | 48:00 | N/A |
Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
Code | Title |
---|---|
SEL3430 | Advanced Second Language Acquisition |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
LECTURES are used, primarily, to impart information and provide an overall coherence for the module. SMALL GROUP TEACHING is used to support and consolidate students’ understanding of their guided independent study and for the design of their research 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Research paper | 1 | A | 50 | 2,000-word research paper |
Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | 50 | 2,000-word data analysis & interpretation exercise |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The PROBLEM-SOLVING EXERCISE tests students’ problem-solving and analytical skills. – The RESEARCH REPORT tests students’ presentation and argumentation skills.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL8690's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL8690's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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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.