INGL 6020 Second Language Acquisition

Each theory of language acquisition mediates research, reflection, and critical assessment in a particular way, guiding and constraining conceptualizations of what language is and how we learn it. This course will review and critically analyze the historical and epistemological context of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) theories from the latter half of the 20th century to the present. The course will expose students to a broad range of theoretical constructs for the purpose of better understanding the current approaches. The first part of the class will cover: contrastive analysis, interlanguage, creative construction hypothesis, Universal Grammar, interactionalist, cognitive and socio-psychological approaches. In the second part of the class we will examine various manifestations of the social turn in SLA: sociocultural theory, language socialization, and postructuralist approaches to SLA. Readings include influential texts representing each of these stances and illustrative work guiding data collection, analysis and interpretation. Whenever possible, we will strive to read texts of mainly historical interest in the original. Students may anticipate deriving from this course a general understanding of the professional landscape of second language acquisition research as well as an appreciation of the ways in which current debates in the field are epistemologically grounded.

Course Objectives

Throughout the semester students will engage in a range of theoretical, pedagogical, and reflective activities that will enable them to:

1) understand the historical importance and epistemological differences in SLA theories and how these stances inform teaching and learning practices in the field

2) recognize the highly situated and interpretative processes involved in second language acquisition/learning and be able to reflect on, critically analyze, and evaluate their own language teaching and learning experiences

3) become sensitive to the complex social, cultural, and historical factors that affect Second Language Acquisition

4) use their knowledge of theory to inform their choices of teaching and research critically evaluate SLA theories critically analyze and discuss current research conducted in the areas of SLA

5) critically evaluate SLA theories 

6) critically analyze and discuss current research conducted in the areas of SLA