Prospectus

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Second Language Learning and Teaching

Course
2014-2015

Admission requirements

A relevant BA degree and basic knowledge of linguistic terminology.

Description

Applied linguistics is an approach to language and language use that investigates problems and offers solutions. This course looks at Second Language Acquisition (SLA) from an applied linguistic perspective. We try to discover the success and failure of various teaching methods in inducing acquisition, and we do so by looking at what research tells us about these methods. The course introduces the teaching methods and students read articles on these methods as well as Cook’s book on learning and teaching a second language. For the course paper, students test the effects of one or more teaching methods or exercises. Groups or individuals may be tested for this and we will discuss these investigations, their methodologies, as well the findings. This combined theoretical and empirical approach will enable students to make better judgments in their future teaching or research activities.

Course objectives

To discover the factors that determine the success or failure of language-teaching methods and techniques.
To discover the myths and facts about acquiring and teaching a second language through fieldwork.

Timetable

The timetable will be available by June 1st on the website.

Mode of instruction

Seminar

Course Load

  • Attending seminars: 26 hours

  • Reading: 100 hours

  • Preparation for research project and exam: 154 hours

Assessment Method

  • Homework: 30%

  • Course Paper: 30%

  • Exam: 40%

Resit: students who fail the course may resit the exam and/or course paper.

Blackboard

This course is supported by Blackboard.

Reading list

  • Cook, Vivian. (2009). Second language learning and language teaching (4th edition). Edward Arnold.

Registration

Students should register through uSis . If you have any questions, please contact the departmental office, tel. 071 5272144 or mail ma-linguistics@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

When registering, students that are registered for the specialisation that this course belongs to, or the Research Master, take priority. The deadline for registration is August 15. All other students should contact the coordinator of studies

Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs

Registration via Studeren à la carte
Registration via Contractonderwijs

Contact

MA Linguistics departmental office, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102C. Tel. 071 5272144; ma-linguistics@hum.leidenuniv.nl.