EN-460 Bilingualism: Second language production and perception
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- 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
- Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme
- Translation and Professional Communication, Master's programme
- Master's Programme in English
Teaching language
EnglishCourse 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
Upon successful completion of this course, students have
- thorough knowledge of theories of the representation of words in the bilingual mental lexicon
- a good understanding 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.
- detailed knowledge of experimental approaches to bilingual language research
Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to
- critically evaluate theories and evidence about bilingual language activations and lexical 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
To be eligible to take the exam, all obligatory tasks must have been approved." An overview of the obligatory task will be given on Canvas at the start of the term. There is also 70% compulsory attendance in lectures.
Teaching methods
Lectures and discussions where active and regular participation is required. The estimated workload is approximately 270 hours.
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.
Admission for external candidates
No.
Offered as Single Standing Module
Yes, if there are places available.
Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module
Same admission requirements apply as for the master's programme in English. Same admission requirements apply as for the master's programme in Translation and Professional Communication.
Assessment methods and criteria
A take home written examination consisting of essay questions. Graded assessment. More information about the examination will be given on Canvas.
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-439 – Bilingualism: Second language production and perception | 10 |