EDME 518 Second Language Acquisition: Theories and Contexts

This course examines the major theoretical schools of thought on second language acquisition (SLA) and the bodies of research and practice that have developed around them. Many diverse factors relevant to SLA will be addressed, such as: learner age and purpose, educational settings including virtual classrooms, ESL and EFL contexts, and shifting views in teacher and learner roles in SLA. This course will look at both the diversity and commonalities in perceptions and perspectives on second/foreign language learning and teaching around the globe, with an emphasis on developing a broad rather than narrow understanding of TESOL. The overall objective of the course is to give students a firm theoretical grounding in both SLA and TESOL, upon which future course work regarding language and methodology can be built.