This course will examine current theories of second language acquisition, in relation to the acquisitional process, developmental stages, and external factors conditioning acquisition, including the effects of the first language, age of acquisition, motivation, instructional context and the nature of input. Topics discussed will include the critical period hypothesis, cross-linguistic influences, individual differences such as cognition, affect and language aptitude.

CILO-1: Describe the principles and methodology of second/foreign language studies. CILO-2: Describe the differences and similarities between the first and second language acquisition. CILO-3: Identify and describe various factors affecting second language learning. CILO-4: Describe recent theories and models on second language learning and teaching. CILO-5: Describe a hands-on empirical research. CILO-6: Design a second language study in terms of interlanguage data collection and data analysis. CILO-7: Use the empirical evidence to explain the roles of input, interaction, and output in the second language acquisition process.