Prospectus

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LLSeminar Japanese as a second language

Course
2015-2016

Admission requirements

Students should have some basic knowledge of Japanese language.
http://www.students.leiden.edu/your-study/rules-regulations/rules/leiden-study-system-with-binding-study-advice.html

Description

This course examines various aspects of learning and using a second language, with a particular emphasis on Japanese as a second language. Research on second language acquisition (SLA) , a sub-field of Applied Linguistics, is multi-disciplinary in nature. The course will introduce and review linguistic, psychological as well as socio-cultural factors of SLA that underlie the comprehension and use of second language by adult language learners. General issues that will be discussed include the role of native language, bi(multi)lingualism and identity, pragmatics and politness, and other various aspects of using two (or more) languages in spoken and written discourse. We will be focusing on Japanese specific as well as crosslinguistic and universal issues.

Course objectives

  • To foster understanding in issues that relate to second language acquisition and use.

  • To develop the ability to think critically about research findings in the field, and present opinions and arguments in written and oral form.

  • To raise awareness of one’s own language learning, and cultivate the ability to relate one’s own learning situations to theories and findings in the field.

  • To develop skills of analysis and argumentation when writing an academic essay.

Timetable

See timetable.

Mode of instruction

Seminar

Course Load

Total study hours 5 ECTS=140 hrs
A brief calculation of the breakdown of the course load hours:

  • Hours necessary for attending lectures (2 hours p/w x 14 weeks=28 hrs)

  • Reading=62 hrs

  • Assignments and research paper=50 hrs

Assessment method

To complete the final mark, please take notice of the following:

  • Participation elements (participation, presentation, assignments):40%

  • Analytical paper and final essay: 60%

Blackboard

Yes, see for more info Blackboard.

Reading list

N. Spada & P.M. Lightbown. (2013). How languages are learned. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
There will also be handouts.

Registration

Registration through uSis. Not registered, means no permission to attend this course. See also the ‘Registrationprocedures for classes and examinations’ for registration deadlines and more information on how to register

Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs

A la carte
Contractonderwijs

Contact

Dr.K. Yoshioka.