Topics in Second Language Acquisition

9 units · Undergraduate

Fall and Spring: 9 units Undergrad number for 82888 SECTION A, Language Policy and Planning: According to the Center for Applied Linguistics, "Decisions around language policy and planning are made around the globe every day, both formally by governments and informally by scholars and community leaders. These decisions influence the right to use and maintain languages, affect language status, and determine which languages are nurtured. Language policy and planning decisions have a major impact on language vitality and, ultimately, on the rights of the individual." In this course, we will discuss the main concepts, theories, and research paradigms associated with the field of Language Policy and Planning (LPP) in multilingual educational contexts at the international, national, local, or institutional levels. Specific topics may include: official language decisions, language standardization, instructional medium choices, foreign/heritage/second language pedagogy and policy, indigenous language revitalization efforts, mother tongue instruction, language rights, and linguistic landscape. SECTION C: This graduate course examines theoretical, empirical, and pedagogical perspectives on how instruction shapes second language acquisition and development. Topics include skill development (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and integrated skills), acquisition of linguistic and pragmatic features, key issues in instructed second language acquisition (ISLA; e.g., interaction, focus on form, individual differences) and the role of emerging technologies (e.g., AI) in ISLA in classroom settings. Students will also explore classroom-based and action research to connect theory with instructional practice.