Aims

By the end of the course, the students will be familiar with the key concepts in second language acquisition and with the main current theories. The students will be able to read scientific articles in the field.

Main themes

Familiarize students with SLA research and more specifically with research in English as a foreign language (EFL).

Content and teaching methods

Content:
The first part of the course introduces the students to the key concepts and the main theories in the field. The second part of the course focuses on selected topics: interlanguage (the concept of error, order and sequences of acquisition, variability, pragmatic aspects), social factors (age, gender, etc.), transfer, communication and learning strategies, etc. Methodological aspects of SLA research (types of data used, types of analysis) are also discussed.

Method:
Reading of scientific articles, classroom discussions.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Course materials:
Scientific articles in the field.
Brown, H. D. (2000) Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. Addison Wesley Longman.
Ellis, R. (1994) The Study of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford University Press.

Assessment :
1. Either an oral exam or an extended essay (oral defence)
2. Classroom participation

Other credits in programs