Course content

Course content

The language of instruction is English.

The course provides an introduction to First and Second language (L1 & L2) acquisition with a special focus on how theoretical knowledge of these phenomena can be employed in improving the methods for L2 instruction and for practical purposes in education and language teaching.

Learning outcome

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Candidates who have passed this course can

• describe the main aspects of child language development first language acquisition with respect to phonology, vocabulary and grammar

• explain methods used to investigate children's linguistic development

• provide an account of the distinctive features and possible causes of atypical language acquisition

• describe main factors in and characteristics of bilingual language development

• provide an account of important factors influencing second language acquisition

• describe and evaluate different theoretical models for explaining the acquisition of language

• provide an account of the debate over the extent to which human beings' innate language capacity can be seen as a self-contained module specific to the species

Skills

Candidates who have passed this course can

• discuss differences and similarities between first and second language acquisition

• evaluate how theoretical knowledge about language acquisition can be used to improve foreign language teaching methods

Learning methods and activities

Learning methods and activities

A combination of lectures, seminars, online activities, group activity, and/or supervision. This course will make use of flexible teaching forms, and a high degree of student activity is required.

Students should expect that this 7.5 credit course equates with approximately 10 hours of work per week, including teaching time.

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentation, approx. 15 minutes

Approved obligatory assignment is valid for 2 semesters (the semester in which the approval is given, plus the following semester).

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentation, approx. 15 minutes

Recommended previous knowledge

ENG1101, ENG1102 or equivalent approved course.

Course materials

Curriculum/reading list will be announced at the beginning of the semester.