Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Second Language Acquisition
Code ENGL661
Coordinator Dr NE Kourtali
English
Nektaria.Kourtali@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

SLA theories and teaching application
A 4000-word essay on a key area of SLA following previous literature and its practical application in L2 teaching (e.g., types of materials used in the classroom).

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) On successful completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of theories and research on second language acquisition (SLA).

(LO2) On successful completion of the course, students will be able to critically discuss theories and research on SLA.

(LO3) On successful completion of the course, students will be able to relate theory to practice. In particular, students will be able to associate SLA theories and research findings to teaching practices in their educational context.

(S1) Criticality towards SLA theories and research.

(S2) Analytic ability: Identifying the relationship between SLA theories/research findings and different educational contexts.

(S3) Applications of SLA theories/research findings in ELT classrooms (e.g., when making lesson plans or when designing tasks).

(S4) Independent working and working as part of a team.

Syllabus
 

Module topics will typically include:
• Introduction to basic concepts of SLA
• Educational theories that have influenced SLA (Behaviourism, Constructivism, Sociocultural Theory, Dynamic Systems Theory)
• Age effects on SLA / the Critical Period Hypothesis
• Cross-linguistic influences and L2 development
• L2 learner language (Interlanguage processes, interlanguage sequences, interlanguage analysis
• Interactionism and corrective feedback research
• Psychological and cognitive influences on SLA
• Affective influences on SLA (motivation)
• Input-based approaches
• Output-based approaches

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module will be delivered by weekly 1-hour whole-cohort workshops and weekly 1-hour seminars of no more than 25 students. The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   10

       10

20

 40
Timetable (if known)   60 mins X 1 totaling 10
  		      60 mins X 1 totaling 10
120 mins X 1 totaling 20
  		 
Private Study 110
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Term Assignment SLA Theories and their Application to Language Teaching/Research. Anonymous assessment: Yes  0    100       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.