Special Topics in Linguistics (ENG273)
This course explores language acquisition and multilingualism, focusing on second and third languages as well as heritage languages. Students will engage with theories and research from linguistic, educational, and cultural perspectives to understand the complexities of learning and teaching languages.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
ENG273
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
In this course, we will explore and critically evaluate the key issues in language acquisition and multilingualism research, including second and third language acquisition as well as (heritage language) bi- and multilingualism.
Students will learn about topics such as theories of how languages are learned, differences in the acquisition of first, second and third languages, the role of individual learner characteristics and learning contexts. Different types of bi- and multilingualism will be explored, as well as multilingual competence, individual and social complexity of multilingualism, the role of identity and multilingual literacies. We will also address teaching English as a second/third language in English as a foreign language classrooms.
Research from linguistic, educational, cognitive, societal, and cultural perspectives will be included.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The students will gain knowledge of:
- broad knowledge of approaches, theories and methods in the study of language acquisition and multilingualism
- central aspects in the field of first, second and third language acquisition
- central aspects of individual and/or societal multilingualism
- advantages and challenges of multilingualism
Skills
By the end of the course, the students will be able to:
- explain, evaluate and reflect on central approaches, theories and methods within the fields of language acquisition and multilingualism
- analyze and describe the differences between first, second and third language acquisition
- discuss different factors relevant in (multilingual) language acquisition
- critically evaluate the benefits of multilingualism
General competence
By the end of the course, the students:
- will have developed critical thinking and evaluation skills
- will have developed skills in oral presentation and argumentation
- will have developed their ability to cooperate with fellow students
- will have developed skills to carry out independent project work
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral exam | 1/1 | 30 Minutes | Letter grades | None permitted |