Description: ML 4505/8803 and LING 4813/8803 explore second language (L2) acquisition/learning theory and foreign language teaching methodologies. The theoretical component (2 lecture credits) is conducted in English (mostly synchronic online via Zoom) and covers basic L2 theories, instructional approaches, and curriculum design. The practical component (1 lab credit) provides students with opportunities to apply their learning through a supervised teaching practicum, which include in-person classroom observation, tutoring, lesson planning, and teaching demonstrations in their designated language concentration (Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, or Spanish). Credits: 3 (2 lecture / 1 lab). This semester, we are honored to welcome two distinguished guest speakers whose expertise and experience will enrich our understanding of language teaching in real-world ESL (English as second language) and foreign language contexts.
At the completion of the course, students will be able to:
*demonstrate an understanding of major theories of second language (L2) acquisition and learning, particularly in relation to linguistics, psychology, and social context
*apply theories of L2 acquisition to a range of approaches in foreign language pedagogy
*design lesson plans and instructional segments in their language concentration that align with standards for language learning and integrate theory with classroom practice
*evaluate the strengths and limitations of computer-assisted language learning and corpus-based approaches
*observe and analyze real L2 classrooms through a supervised practicum, and identify effective teaching practices
*develop the ability to reflect critically on one’s own teaching and tutoring and make pedagogical adjustments as needed
*articulate a coherent philosophy of L2 teaching grounded in research and professional practice
All required course materials—including class announcements, the syllabus, schedule, video files, and homework links—are available on Canvas. Required reading (selected chapters) come from the following: 1.Keith Johnson (2017) An Introduction to Foreign Language Learning and Teaching (will be available at GT library soon) 2.Brown, Douglas & Heekyeong Lee (2025) Principles of Language Learning and Teaching: A course in Second Language Acquisition. (the 5th edition is available at GT library, and the 7th will be available at GT library) 3.Karen E. Johnson, Paula R. Golombek, & Jacob Rieker (2024) Transformative L2 Teacher Education Innovations Insights from Vygotskian Sociocultural Theory (available at GT library) 4.Wajnryb, Ruth (1992). Classroom observation tasks: A resource book for language teachers and trainers
ML4505/LING 4813: Class Participation 15%, Homework 20%, Two Exams 30%, Teaching Philosophy (Lab) 10% L2 Portfolio (classroom observation, tutoring, demo lesson) (Lab) 25%
ML8803/LIN8803: Class Participation 15%, Homework 20%, Two Exams 20%, Teaching Philosophy (Lab) 10% L2 Portfolio (classroom observation, tutoring, demo lesson) (Lab) 15%, Research Paper Presentation & Summary (10%).
All work you produce and submit for this class must be your own original work, ideas, and thoughts. You are not permitted to submit any work as your own if it has been generated by AI. If you use AI tools or outside assistance in any capacity, you must document this use transparently. Failure to disclose outside help may result in a grade of 0% for the assignment. Please consult if you have any questions in advance.
Students are expected to come to class fully prepared, having completed all assigned readings, and to participate actively in class activities. Active participation is required. If a student arrives 15 minutes or later, their attendance/participation for that class will be recorded as half credit. Students who engage in behaviors indicating inattention or non-participation during class activities will also receive half credit for that day. Daily participation grades can be accessed weekly through Canvas’s Gradebook. If you have to miss a class for any reason, please e-mail me beforehand. If you miss more than two class meetings for no legitimate reason, your course grade will be lowered by 0.5-1% for each class you miss from the 3rd absence on. We will not do a formal class attendance check as we have a relatively small size class group, and it will be obvious if one does not show up for the class.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals. This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question: How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works? Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome: Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts. Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies: 1)Ethical Reasoning, 2) Information Literacy, 3) Intercultural Competence.