SYLLABUS
COURSE IDENTIFICATION:
Course Title: Language Learning (1)
Semester: 1st Term
Instructor: Dr. Khadija Oqbi
Office Hours: Saturday 10:00am-12:00 pm, Tuesday 10:00-12:00 pm, or by arrangement
Room No.: 107 A
PROFESSOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION
Office 2576570
E-mail: oqbik@hotmail.com
COURSE DESCRIOTION
This course explores how learners learn, the processes underlying non-native language
acquisition and learning, and how recognition, learning and acquisition develops and
stabilizes. The focus of this course will be on classroom application with the goal of
creating natural and meaningful practical language learning opportunities in an
environment where traditional social acquisition opportunities are limited.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will demonstrate the ability to accomplish the following objectives:
o understand the theoretical issues and terminology related to the field of second
language acquisition and language learning;
o demonstrate an understanding of the nature of language and the role of the first
language in learning a second language;
o display an understanding of the role of a second language, learner language, and
individual variation;
o demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and practical factors that influence
language acquisition and learning and apply those contexts effectively in the
classroom teaching and instructional process;
o apply SLA theory and related methodology as a means of promoting communicative
interaction in the acquisition deficient classroom environment.
TEXTBOOK
1. Brown, Douglas H. 2000. Principles of Language Learning and Teaching, 4th ed.
Pearson ESL.
2. Mitchell, Rosamond and Florence Myles. 1998. Second language Learning Theories.
Arnold: London.
3. Ellis, R. 1985. Understanding Second Language Acquisition. Oxford UP: New York.
REFRENCES
1. Littlewood, William. 1984. Foreign and Second Language Learning. Cambridge UP:
London.
2. Krashen, Stephen. 1981. Second Language Acquisition and Second Language
Learning. Pergamon: Oxford.
3. Wenden, Anita and Joan Rubin (Eds). 1987. Learner Strategies in Language
Learning. Prentice Hall: London.
EVALUATION
Assessment will be based on the following formula:
10 % Attendance and Class Participation
10 % Assignments/Homework
15 % Quizzes
25 % Midterm Exam
40 % Final Exam
Students will receive ongoing feedback throughout the entire course in addition to explicit
individual feedback and assessment through the midterm evaluation and the final
portfolio evaluation.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Week 1 (2 hours)
Course introduction, syllabus, Introduction to the discipline
Week 2 (2 hours)
Chapter 1, Learning a First Language, basic learning theory
Week 3 (2 hours)
Chapter 2, Theoretical Approaches to Explaining First Language Acquisition
Week 4 (2 hours)
Chapter 2, Theoretical Approaches to Explaining Second Language Acquisition
Week 5(2 hours)
Chapter 2, Theoretical Approaches to Explaining Second Language Acquisition
Week 6 (2 hours)
Midterm Test
Week 7 (2 hours)
Chapter 3, Factors Affecting Second Language Acquisition
Week 8 (2 hours)
Chapter 3, Factors Affecting Second Language Acquisition
Week 9 (2 hours)
Chapter 4, Learner Language
Week 10 (2 hours)
Chapter 4, Learner Language
Week 11(2 hours)
Chapter 5, Popular Ideas About Second Language Learning
Week 12 (2 hours)
Special topics of interest in SLA