Admission requirements
Students should have some basic knowledge of Japanese language.
Description
This course examines various aspects of learning and using a second language, with a particular emphasis on Japanese as a second language. Research on second language acquisition (SLA) , a sub-field of Applied Linguistics, is multi-disciplinary in nature. The course will introduce and review linguistic, psychological as well as socio-cultural factors of SLA that underlie the comprehension and use of second language by adult language learners. General issues that will be discussed include the role of native language, bi(multi)lingualism and identity, pragmatics and politness, and other various aspects of using two (or more) languages in spoken and written discourse. We will be focusing on Japanese specific as well as crosslinguistic and universal issues.
Course objectives
To foster understanding in issues that relate to second language acquisition and use.
To develop the ability to think critically about research findings in the field, and present opinions and arguments in written and oral form.
To raise awareness of one’s own language learning, and cultivate the ability to relate one’s own learning situations to theories and findings in the field.
To develop skills of analysis and argumentation when writing an academic essay.
Timetable
See timetable
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Course Load
Total study hours 5 ECTS=140 hrs
A brief calculation of the breakdown of the course load hours:
Hours necessary for attending lectures (2 hours p/w x 14 weeks=28 hrs)
Reading=62 hrs
Assignments and research paper=50 hrs
Assessment method
To complete the final mark, please take notice of the following:
Participation elements (participation, presentation, assignments):40%
Analytical paper and final essay: 60%
Debriefing: Students may make an individual appointment with the instructor within 30 days of the announcement of the assessment grades in order to discuss their work.
Blackboard
Yes, see for more info Blackboard.
Reading list
P. Lightbown & N. Spada (2013) How languages are learned (fourth edition). New York: Oxford University Press.
Registration
Registration through uSis. Not registered, means no permission to attend this course. See also the ‘Registrationprocedures for classes and examinations’ for registration deadlines and more information on how to register