230179 Second Language Acquisition (S) (SoSe 2025)

The course will introduce you to what is known about how languages are learned. We look at the stages children go through in acquiring their first language and review the major theories which attempt to account for this remarkable achievement in order to investigate to what extent the theories of first language acquisition are reflected in the multitude of second language acquisition theories, briefly touching on some of the cognitive and sociocultural theories of language learning. We will also consider what makes a language learner successful, looking at factors such as intelligence, aptitude and age. We will then reflect on the idea of language learner language. Finally, we will analyse different classroom settings, different types of error feedback and teacher questions. As the course draws to a close we will consider the implications of what we have learned for language teaching in schools, examining six different approaches to teaching English as a target language.

Please note that this course takes place in an asynchronous format: Mainly, you will work on learning material on Moodle on your own. Several online support sessions during the semester provide some space for your questions and for work with and on additional material. If you feel that you need more support, feel free to book slots in my office hours via my PEVZ page!