Basic Concepts of Foreign Language Learning

elective courses

The course aims to introduce students to major theories connected to acquiring L2 pragmatics and second language acquisition. Most of them are well-established in the field of language acquisition, others are evolving in the light of new evidence. Recent approaches and theories also receive attention. The course gives an overview of the most significant research findings, highlights and explains major differences and similarities between first and second language acquisition. It covers a wide range of topics related to its title.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to major second-language learning theories and development of pragmatic competence. Its main aim is to acquaint the participants with theoretical orientations on foreign /second language learning, that is, with what is currently known about L2 pragmatics foreign language learning and with relevant research.

The course gives an ample overview of the most significant research findings and bridges theory and practice.

The course also highlights and explains major differences and similarities between first and second language acquisition of pragmatics and provides opportunity for discussing significant insights into the language functions of the brain. This course covers a wide range of topics related to its title.

Firstly, various views on the nature of language are discussed - behaviourist, mentalist, cognitive. Other views are also considered. Then the focus is shifted to the acquisition of pragmatics.

Finally, possible implications of theoretical considerations and of research findings in foreign language teaching are discussed.

Archibald, J. (ed.). (2000). Second Language Acquisition and Linguistic Theory. Oxford: Blackwell - wybrane artykuły

Culpeper, J., Mackey, A.,& Taguchi N. (2019). Second Langugae Pragmatics. Routledge.

Doughty, C. J. & Long, H.M. (eds). (2005). The Handbook of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Blackwell - wybrane artykuły

Ren, W. (2022)Second Language Pragmatics. Cambridge University Press.

Saville-Troike, M. (2006). Introducing Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge University Press.

Taguchi, N. (ed.). (2019). The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Pragmatics. Routledge.

Students:

K_W02

understand key terminology, well established methods and theories connected to language acquisition within English studies

K_W03

describe methodology and recent developments in linguistics and language acquisition

K_W05

list the characteristics of English language, and especially pragmatics on an advanced level

K_W07

explain principles of designing literary and culture studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions

Students:

K_U01

employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies and culture studies

K_U02

employ the methodology of literary and culture studies within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law

K_U04

implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in literary studies and in culture and religion studies

K_U11

design one’s own development

Students:

For students enrolled before the academic year of 2022/2023

A student will acquire basic information about:Basic Concepts of Foreign Language Learning and will develop his/her analytical skills.

In class discussions students acquire skills of expressing their thoughts in a clear, coherent, logical and precise manner, with the use of language which is correct grammatically, lexically and phonetically.

Language level: B2+.

The final grade is based on test results (these are 2 tests during the semester) - 50%; group facilitation - 40%; in class participation - 10%

20% of absences is allowed. In case of a failing grade students will be asked to write an essay.