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EDUC50190

Academic Year 2024/2025

Key Issues in Second Language Development (EDUC50190)

Subject:
Education
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Education
Level:
5 (Doctoral)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Professor Alessandro Benati
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In this module key questions and issues in second language acquisition (SLA) research and theory will be examined and discussed. Topics covered in the module include the scope of SLA research, the description and explanation of the nature and role of language and language development, and the analysis of research areas such as the role of input, output, universal properties, and instruction in language development. The module features a mix of lectures and seminars, and much of the learning happens through interactive, in-class discussion among students. The course and reading materials survey the field and its latest development, which in turn prepare students to critically examine SLA research and theory.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

- Provide a critical analysis of the scope of second language acquisition along with major questions in
this field of enquiry.
- Understand and explain key concepts, and issues in SLA.
- Complete a critical evaluation of a published study in the field.

Indicative Module Content:



1-2 What are the key facts in second language acquisition?
- The nature of language
- A psycholinguistic perspective.
3-4 Key issues and questions on the role and nature of input and output in SLA.

5-6 Key issues and questions on the role and nature of the language developing system.

7-8 The role and nature of implicit and explicit knowledge in SLA.

9-10 The role and nature of instructional efforts in SLA.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

180
Total

204

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is based on 10 sessions of 2 hours duration each. The sessions take the form of lectures, seminars, and in-class discussions, during which students need to be actively involved.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Critical evaluation of a published study. 3000 words. Week 10 Graded Yes

100

 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

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