EN-439 Bilingualism: Second language production and perception
- ECTS Credits:
- 15
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Humanities and Education
- Course Leader:
- Linda Ruth Wheeldon
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
Teaching language
EnglishPrerequisites
Students must have passed EN-410 and EN-411 or equivalent courses.
Recommended prerequisites
Recommended elective course: EN-425 Language acquisition.
Course contents
This course engages students with the issue of bilingualism with focus on English as a second language. We will discuss key issues relating to the mental representation of a second language and to the processes by which it is comprehended and produced. The influence of first language structure and of second language proficiency on these processes will also be considered. Current theories will be introduced and evaluated in with reference to a range of linguistic and experimental evidence.
Topics to be covered focusing on English:
-
The representation of words in the bilingual mental lexicon
-
Language control and language selection
-
Cognitive benefits of bilingualism
-
Linguistic disadvantages of bilingualism
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: Upon completion of this course students will have
-
knowledge of theories of the representation of words in the bilingual mental lexicon
-
knowledge of data and theories relating to language control and language selection
-
knowledge of data and theories relating to the benefits and disadvantages of being bilingual.
-
knowledge of experimental approaches to bilingual language research
Skills: Upon completion of this course students will be able to
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critically evaluate theories and evidence about bilingual language activations and retrieval
-
critically evaluate theories of the cognitive benefits of being bilingual
-
critically evaluate theories of the cognitive disadvantages of being bilingual
-
write clear and concise summaries of key research articles and well-structured essays
Examination requirements
The student must have gained a pass grade on all obligatory tasks in order to be eligible to take the exam. An overview of the obligatory tasks will be given on Canvas at the start of the term.
Teaching methods
Lectures and discussions. Regular and active participation. Estimated workload: Approximately 400 hours.
Evaluation
The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Admission for external candidates
No
Offered as Single Standing Module
Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.
Assessment methods and criteria
A take home written examination consisting of essay questions. Graded assessment.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| EN-460 – Bilingualism: Second language production and perception | 10 |