Admission requirements
An introductory course in language acquisition or psycholinguistics at MA or BA3 level at a university.
Description
The course addresses the acquisition and use of a second language from two main theoretical perspectives: the cognitive and sociocultural perspective. One of the main rationales for the cognitive perspective has been that degree of success in learning a second language is heterogeneous rather than the (claimed) homogeneous success for native language learning. Cognitive approaches to second language learning seek answers to the question why individuals differ in this way. The sociocultural perspective broadens this discussion and views language use and language learning as situated in an (interactional) context. In the first part of the course, students will get acquainted with these different theoretical approaches. In the second part of the course, students will carry out research into individual differences in second language learning (outcomes).
Course objectives
To learn to read and interpret the relevant literature;
To learn to synthesize and present research literature;
To understand the most relevant theories in the field of second language acquisition.
To learn to collect, analyze, and report on data for a specific research question;
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Course Load
Total course load: 280 hours (10 EC)
Attending seminars: 26 hours
Weekly homework: 26 hours
Reading: 90 hours
Research project (including writing): 126 hours
Presentation: 12 hours
Assessment method
Assessment
Oral presentation (oral examination) 30%
Course Paper 70%
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average.
Resit
Resit: students who fail the course may resit the course paper.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
Mitchell, R., Myles, F., & Marsden, E. (2013 or 2019). Second language learning theories. Routledge, 3rd or 4th edition.”
Brightspace will be used for:
information on the course and on assignments
notifications
Registration
Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available on the website
Contact
Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats
E-mail address Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats: osz-oa-reuvensplaats@hum.leidenuniv.nl