Department of Spanish and Portuguese

Prerequisite:  HISP-S 326 or Consent of the Department

This course presents an overview of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) theories, with an emphasis on Spanish learning. First, we will critically analyze some key theories and concepts within the field and how they impact current beliefs and teaching practices. We will also discuss empirical studies, learn about research design, and analyze oral and written productions of Spanish learners. Through theoretical discussion and hands-on research, we will learn about the components of second language that may be challenging for learners to acquire. These will include phonetic, morphological, syntactic, lexicosemantic, and pragmatic features, among others. The course will cover different learning situations, including classroom-based, immersive experience, and technology-mediated learning. Students will be evaluated based on their engagement in class discussions, assignments, written exams, and a final group project.

Course objectives

Through engagement in critical discussions and assignments, students in this course will:

• gain an understanding of theories of second language acquisition;
• analyze and summarize the main points of empirical and theoretical papers;
• learn to recognize the main difficulties for L1 English-L2 Spanish learners;
• study and analyze oral and written production of Spanish learners;
• reflect on their own learning experience;
• design and conduct a research project on Spanish second language acquisition.

HISP-S 430    #28636      12:45P-2:00P   MW   BH 237     Prof. M. Gabriela Puscama

Note:  This class meets with HISP-S 498, Readings for Honors, #28728.

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