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  3. Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition (LING90012)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online and On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1 - Online
Semester 1 - On Campus
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This subject offers a survey of the principal topics currently addressed in the study of second language acquisition, and of the major research methods and paradigms used in such studies. Students should expect to be able to understand critical observation, description and analysis of second language learners and their language performance, the social and psychological aspects of second language learning situations, and the special characteristics of learner language.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a broad understanding of the scope and core concepts in second language acquisition (SLA)
  • Demonstrate awareness of the major research methods and paradigms that inform research in SLA
  • Critically appraise studies of second language learning
  • Understand the social and psychological aspects of SLA, learner performance data, and special characteristics of learner language.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Think critically
  • Determine the strength of an argument
  • Communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically.

Last updated: 6 February 2026