Admission requirements
A basic knowledge of Second Language Acquisition is recommended (not required); obtained, for instance, through the BA course Language Acquisition 5 or an introductory book on SLA. Having teaching experience is not a requirement but it is highly useful.
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 well-known 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 do research in the field of applied linguistics and SLA
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
Timetable
The timetable will be available by June 1st at www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/engels.
Mode of instruction
A two hour seminar per week.
Assessment method
Course paper [=30%]; Participation [=30%]; Exam [=40%]
Blackboard
This course is supported by Blackboard. A detailed course description can be found there, as well as homework and presentation overviews, etc.
Reading list
Cook, V.J. (2008). Second language learning and language teaching. Edward Arnold. Fourth edition.
Articles (will be posted on Blackboard)
Registration
Students should register through uSis.
Contact information
Departmental Office English Language and Culture, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102C. Tel. 071 5272144; mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Coordinator of Studies Master: Ms. K. van der Zeeuw-Filemon, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103C.
Remarks
No remarks.