Proposal for new course: EN 416/516 Second Language Acquisition

David Boe, Associate Professor

Department of English

Northern Michigan University

(1) Bulletin Description

EN 416/516 Second Language Acquisition (4 cr.)

Offered: Every other winter

Prerequisites (for undergraduates): EN 211, junior standing, or instructor’s permission.

A survey of theoretical models and research in second language acquisition. Topics include language acquisition in children and adults, psychological and social factors, SLA research design, and implications for classroom language teaching.

(2) Bulletin Copy

This proposed course will be listed in the NMU undergraduate bulletin under “course descriptions,” and will be listed within the English Department program section as an approved elective, for both majors and minors. In the graduate bulletin, it will be listed under “course descriptions,” and will be listed as a required course for the proposed TESOL Certificate Program (TESOL = Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages), and as an approved elective for the Master of Arts degree in English.

(3) Rationale for Course Content

As part of NMU’s efforts at Internationalization, a 20-credit TESOL Certificate program is being developed in the Department of English. Such graduate-level programs are found at numerous institutions throughout the U.S., and the curriculums of these programs are fairly consistent. A standard offering as part of TESOL Certification is a course in Second Language Acquisition, along with courses in English Grammar and Usage, TESL Methods and Materials (TESL = Teaching English as a Second Language), and a supervised TESL Practicum (involving hands-on teaching experience). An elective course will round out the 20-credit program. This proposed course in the theory and practice of Second Language Acquisition will thus represent a core component of this new TESOL Certificate.

(4) Rationale for Course Number and Credits

The proposed course numbers, EN 416/516, do not overlap with any other course offerings at NMU, and it is anticipated that these numbers will be adjacent to the numberings of other TESOL Certificate courses. Although primarily intended as a graduate-level offering (EN 516), enrollment will be open to qualified undergraduates (EN 416). Similar to other such offerings at NMU, this will be a 4-credit course.

(5) Course Objectives

This course will be available for both undergraduate and graduate credit. For both audiences, the objectives of this course are as follows: (a) develop an understanding of current theoretical approaches to the study of second language acquisition, (b) develop an understanding of linguistic, psychological, and social dimensions of research in second language acquisition, (c) develop the ability to compare and critique second language acquisition theory and research in terms of their potential applicability to ESL/EFL instruction; and for graduate students, (d) develop the background knowledge necessary to conduct empirical research related to second language acquisition. (Those taking the course for graduate credit will propose and collect data as part of an independent SLA research project, and will present their findings to the class.)

(6) Course Outline

EN 416/516 SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Description

This is a comprehensive graduate-level course (open to qualified undergraduates) devoted to understanding theory and research in second language acquisition (SLA). The course will provide a thorough grounding in current theoretical approaches to SLA, will explore the linguistic, psychological, and social dimensions of SLA research, and will develop students’ abilities to compare and critique these theories in terms of their applicability to ESL/EFL instruction. Additionally, graduate students will be provided the opportunity to carry out their own research related to SLA. The course is designed for those seeking the TESOL Certificate at NMU, or for other students involved in second language education.

Course organization

The format of this course will be a combination of lectures and informal discussions. The presentation of material will primarily be text-based (i.e., it will involve close readings and discussions of selected passages), so it is important to bring the textbook to each class meeting.

Requirements

(1) Attendance and preparation. You are expected to attend class, be prepared to actively contribute to the discussions, and listen respectfully while others are speaking. Try to complete the required reading before each class meeting. Attendance will be taken every class; excessive absences may negatively affect the final grade.

(2) Midterm exam. This in-class exam will cover material discussed during the first half of the course, and will consist of short essay questions.

(3) Critique of SLA research. Each student will write a short critique of an empirical SLA study, as found in academic journals.

(4) Research project and presentation (graduate students). Students taking the course for graduate credit will propose and collect data as part of an independent research study (making use of ESL learners in the surrounding community). This will be followed by a formal conference-style presentation to the members of the class.

(5) Final exam. This will be an in-class exam during finals week, covering material discussed throughout the course.

Topics

Introduction to the course; major issues in second language acquisition

The role of the first language; “interlanguage” and stages of L2 development

Individual learner differences; input and interaction in second language acquisition

Learner strategies; the role of formal instruction in second language acquisition

The Universal Grammar “innateness” hypothesis and second language acquisition

Critiques of published SLA research; student presentations of research projects

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(7) Anticipated Costs/Needs for Staff: None. This course can be offered on load by qualified English Department faculty.

(8) Anticipated Costs/Needs for Equipment and Supplies: None.

(9) Anticipated Costs/Needs for Library: None.

(10) Effects on Other Departments: Although designed for students in the new TESOL Certificate program in the Department of English, this course may also be on interest to students in other departments, such as Modern Languages and Literatures or Education.

(11) Deletion of Courses: No courses are deleted as part of this course proposal.

(12) Planned Implementation Date: Winter semester, 2011.