Readings:

Patsy Lightbown, Nina Spada, How Languages are Learned, 4th edition. Oxford University Press, 2013.

Course Description:  

This course will introduce students to the field of second language acquisition, considering specific issues in learning (and teaching) French. What is "grammar" and how does it relate to our everyday use of language? What is the significance of language errors? How do norms of "spoken" and "written" expression differ, and how do the norms relate to the ways people actually use language? What roles do a learner's mother tongue, motivation, memory, and personality play in the learning of a new language? How do social factors affect language learning? What is the nature of the relationship between language and culture, and how can culture be learned through language itself? We will study models of second language acquisition, as well as a variety of approaches to the teaching of French as a foreign language. Students will learn how to observe language teaching and learning and will get practice in preparing and teaching a micro-lesson.

Prerequisites:

French 102 or equivalent.

Additional Information:

This course satisfies 1 "Culture" or 1 "Elective" course requirement in the French Major.  Satisfies one course requirement in the French Minor.  Course conducted in French.