Course Listings

2025 Spring > GRAD > APLING > APLING 701

Issues in Second Language Acquisition

Course #: APLING 701

Description:
This doctoral level seminar examines in depth the theory and research in the field of second language acquisition (SLA). It builds upon the information and concepts presented in introductory SLA theory courses allowing students to more deeply and carefully explore selected topics such as the explicit/implicit debate; role of consciousness; interface of cognitive and social processes; working memory; interaction; feedback; age; aptitude; transfer; and attention. We will cover both traditional and alternative theories in SLA (including sociocultural theory, socio-cognitive theory, conversation analysis, identify theory, socialization theory, complexity/dynamic systems theory, and cognitive linguistics). In addition, the course addresses theory building and two critical questions: (1) can/should the field tolerate multiple theories? (2) if it cannot/should not, how do we decide which theory to support and which theories to disallow? Students will practice evaluation the goals, strengths, and limitations of various perspectives as well as look at the implications for L2 learning, teaching, and research in light of the reading on SLA theories.