Learning new languages is a common human experience. Whether we are required to learn a language at school, or whether the need is driven by economic opportunity, survival, ancestral connection or even love, the human capacity to learn new languages raises many questions. How do humans manage the complex task of learning new linguistic structures? Why are some people better at language learning than others? What is the relationship in the mind between established and new language patterns? How can we learn languages more effectively? This course offers insight into these and other questions through critically examining theoretical approaches, empirical methods and findings in second language acquisition research. Topics include features of language learners and their learning processes (e.g., age, crosslinguistic influences), individual influences on language development (e.g., motivation, aptitude) and social dimensions (e.g., identity, community). Students will be encouraged to reflect critically on their own experiences as language learners and/or their experiences in relevant professional capacities. Students will have an opportunity to develop independence as an emerging researcher through carrying out their own study on an aspect of language learning that interests them.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- explain and apply key terms, concepts and issues in the field of second language acquisition (SLA);
- recognise, describe and critically evaluate key SLA theories and related methodological approaches;
- locate and critically evaluate SLA research across key topics, and in-depth for at least one specialist topic, identifying gaps or challenges in current knowledge;
- independently formulate and carry out SLA research; and
- communicate clearly and knowledgeably about language learning topics to specialist and general audiences.
Indicative Assessment
- Engagement tasks including quizzes, forum discussions and presentations (20) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Critical evaluation (30) [LO 1,2,3]
- Research Project (50) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks including seminars/tutorials and associated activities; b) 94 hours of independent research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $3960 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5820 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4226 | 20 Feb 2023 | 27 Feb 2023 | 31 Mar 2023 | 26 May 2023 | In Person | View |