230282 Introduction to Second Language Acquisition (S) (WiSe 2005/2006)

The way human beings acquire languages - whether as their mother tongue or as a foreign language - is a fascinating and complex process and of significance to all who intend to become language teachers. Even though this course will focus mainly on second and foreign language learning, we will also deal with aspects of learning a first language in an introductory session to gain a basic insight into the topic in general. After that, class work will concentrate on theoretical approaches to SLA. In this context we will be concerned with important facets of the matter, e.g., learner characteristics (motivation, preferences, age, etc.), learning settings, and learner language. In addition to the theoretical part of the seminar we will also discuss strategies and methods to teach a foreign language in a sensible way.

Credits:
3 for regular attendance + in-class presentation (25-30 min + handout)
or
3 for regular attendance + passing the final test
or
6 for regular attendance + final test or in-class presentation + long essay (10-12 pages)

Recommended Reading:

P.M. Lightbown & N. Spada, How Languages are Learned. Revised edition. Oxford University Press. Oxford 2003.