University of Houston-Downtown
Arts and Humanities Department
SUMMER I 2000
An investigation of current theories and research in the study of second language acquisition and bilingualism, with special emphasis on the implications for bilingual and foreign language education.
Dr. L. Kirk Hagen, Professor
Office Hours by appointment. I'm generally available from noon to 5:00pm, Monday through Thursday. Appointments after class are quite possible as well. You can call me to arrange a meeting at 713-221-8628 or 713-221-8116. You should also feel free to drop by the Arts and Humanities Multimedia Lab, 950-N, to schedule a meeting. Required Texts:Exams are multiple choice and cumulative. They are based on the readings from the assigned text and handouts, and class lectures and discussions.
Attendance:While there are no formal attendance requirements for this course, it is recommended that you not take this course if 1) you anticipate being absent frequently this semester, or 2) if you have had problems attending classes regularly in the past. Students are responsible for all the material whether they are in class or not. Students who miss class have the responsibility of getting notes from other students. All students should note that there are no provisions for make-up exams, extra credit, or dropping of lowest grades.
Tentative list of activities:Here is a list of topics which we will address in this course. Please note that this list is tentative in that we will doubtless on occasion fall a little behind what's planned, or move ahead.
WEEK 1 (May 30): Introduction. Fundamental concepts in linguistic analysis. Basic syntax. The division of labor in linguistic research. Classical learning theory. Generative theory. Read Gass and Selinker, Chapter 1 and 3.
WEEK 2 (June 5): Universal grammar. Adult versus child second language acquisition. Biological foundations of language. The critical period hypothesis. Neurolinguistics and bilingualism. Brain pathology and language loss in multilinguals. The representation of second languages in the brain. Read Gass and Selinker, Chapter 5 and 9. MIDTERM EXAM
WEEK 3 (June 12): Implicit and explicit knowledge of grammar. Radical pragmatics. The input hypothesis. The monitor hypothesis. Communicative competence. Recent perspectives on first and second languages. Read Gass and Selinker, Chapter 2, 4, and 6.
WEEK 4 (June 19): Research methods in applied linguistics. Social aspects of bilingualism. Bilingual and second language education. Read Chapters 7 and 11.
WEEK 5. (June 26) Review. FINAL EXAM. JUNE 29, 2000.
The University of Houston-Downtown adheres to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities should register with Disabled Student Services and contact their instructors in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations.