Prospectus

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Focus 1+2: Aspects of Japanese as a second language

Course
2010-2011

Admission requirements

Students of Japanese studies

Description

This course examines various aspects of learning and using a second language, with a particular emphasis on Japanese as a second language. Research on second language acquisition (SLA) is multi-disciplinary in nature. The course will introduce and review mostly linguistic and psychological factors of SLA that underlie the process of adult language learning. General issues that will be discussed include the role of native language, language and cognition, the use of gesture in speech production, and acquisition of writing systems.

Course objectives

  1. To foster understanding in issues that relate to second language acquisition and use.
  2. To develop the ability to think critically about research findings in the field, and present opinions and arguments in written and oral form.
  3. To raise awareness of one’s own language learning, and cultivate the ability to relate one’s own learning situations to theories/findings in the field

Time table

For more information, check time table.

Teaching method

Lecture and workshop

Test method

  • Participation element (30%)

  • Analytical element (20%)

  • Research paper (30%)

  • Exam (20%)

Blackboard

Blackboard will be used

Required reading

Lightbown, P.M. & Spada, N. (2006) How languages are learned. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978 0 19 422246

Registration

Via uSis

Enrollment period:
1st semester: 24 August 2009 till 3 September 2009
2nd semester: 18 January 2010 from 10.00 hrs till 27 January 2010.

Contact

Mw. Dr. K. Yoshioka

Remarks

This course is also an optional course