Second Language Instruction Courses (SL)
SL 6610 - Survey of SLA for SL Teachers (3)
This course will look at recent research and publications relative to second language teaching. Not only will specific areas selected by the instructor be examined but the students in the class will have the opportunity to suggest areas of particular interest to them. This course provides opportunities for the student to extend knowledge and skills necessary for developing programs, electing appropriate method and employing materials, and evaluation in second language teaching.
SL 6615 - Intro to Linguistics (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a foundational understanding of the complex multifaceted system that we call language. Through lectures, discussions, and problem solving, students will develop an understanding of the various components that constitute language acquisition and to describe the interlanguage of language learners. In the first mid-term, the areas of psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics and animal communication as they relate to second-language learning will be explored.
SL 6620 - Survey of Sociolinguistics for Second Language Teachers (3)
Sociolinguistics is the study of the systematic relations of language varieties and social groups. A wide variety of phenomena are investigated in sociolinguistics, including social, regional and stylistic variation, pidgins and creoles, multilingualism, age and gender differences, relationship between language and culture, etc. The goal of the course will be to gain understanding and an awareness of the socio-cultural factors that influence the way people use different language varieties to communicate with each other.
SL 6630 - Principles, Techniques & Materials in SL Teaching (3)
This course overviews the teaching principles, techniques and materials relevant to an interactive approach to second language teachers. Students will expand their teaching repertoire by studying curriculum design, assessment measures, learner variables, techniques and materials for teaching grammar/ vocabulary/four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and sociopolitical contexts for teaching ESL/EFL. Prerequisite(s): SL 6035 Methods and Approaches to Second Language Teaching.
SL 6635 - Methods & Approaches in SL Teaching (3)
This course will look at recent research and publications relative to SECOND LANGUAGE TEACH-ING. Not only will specific areas selected by the instructor be examined, but the students in the class will have the opportunity to suggest areas of particular interest to them. This course provides opportunities for the student to extend knowledge and skills necessary for developing programs, selecting appropriate methods and employing materials and evaluating in language teaching.
SL 6640 - Teaching Language Skills (3)
The purpose of this course is to assist graduate students as they investigate and construct a deeper understanding of language and develop techniques to teach a new language and its background culture connected to the language. This class will help participants to develop instructional strategies and practical tools for integrating culture into a language acquisition classroom.
SL 6645 - Grammar (3)
The purpose of this course is to assist graduate students as they investigate and construct a deeper understanding of and develop techniques to teach a new language and its grammar connected to the language. This class will help participants to develop instructional strategies and practical tools for integrating grammatical instruction into a language acquisition classroom.
SL 6653 - Assessment & Evaluation (3)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of the skills, techniques and information necessary to become competent in the process of second language assessment and research. Students will be required to learn and practice various forms of assessment and research. The learning structure of this course will consist of interactive instructor presentations, learning activities, group discussions, independent readings and practice of assessments and research procedures.
SL 6691 - Research Methodology (3)
This course will examine issues and recent research on second language acquisition (SLA). The course will provide information necessary to understand and apply research processes, synthesize knowledge and writing, and plan and organize research problems for interpretation and application of research results. Application of these skills in the form of a written project using the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APS) is required. This research course may not be substituted with another research course or one transferred from another university. A grade of “B” or better is required).
SL 6695 - Thesis (1-3)
The thesis must be related to a Second Language Instruction problem or situation. Information regarding the thesis program may be obtained from the Dean of the Graduate School. This course may be repeated. Grading system is Pass/Fail. Prerequisite(s): All 9 of the Core Courses must be completed.
SL 6696 - Practicum (3)
Supervised experiences related to instruction in area of specialization. The application of skills, concepts and principles acquired in previous courses will be emphasized as well as all the principles of the SIOP Model. Prerequisite(s): All 9 of the Core Courses must be completed.
SL 6699 - Capstone (1-3)
This course helps students make connections between theoretical knowledge and practical situations. The content of this course is variable, depending on the individual student's interests, present situations and future plans. The determination of the content for each student will be made through collaboration between the student, the student's advisor and the instructor of the course. Students may focus on supervised teaching, action research or a project with a major field agency. Prerequisite(s): All 9 of the Core Courses must be completed.