SEL8690 : Advanced Topics in Second Language Acquisition
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | A | 70 | 2,500-words |
| Essay | 2 | M | 30 | 1500-words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay and written exercise will test students' critical reading, analytical, presentation and argumentation skills.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL8690's Timetable