COURSE SYLLABUS: Language Structure, Acquisition, and Development
Course Title:
Department:
Instructor:
ED562 - Language Structure, Acquisition, and Development
Education
Ann Ingman, Ed.D. - E-mail | Vita
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This course is an introduction to the study of the acquisition of first and second languages.
Linguistic perspectives on the development of phonological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic
aspects of language will be reviewed as well as the influence of developmental stages and social
and cultural factor on the individual.
This course will examine the following areas:
Language structure and use: including the structure of English
Theories and factors in first-and second-language development
Historical and International Perspectives
Dual Language Program Models
Aspects and Language
Language Development
Language Ability
Primary Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient Students
Foundations of Dual Language Instruction, Longmont ISBN #: 0801330718
The Natural Approach: Language Acquisition in the Classroom byStephen D. Krashen ISBN #: 0136099343
HOW TO CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
I can be contacted by e-mail through my Canyon College e-mail address above. I will usually
respond within 24 hours. If I will be away for a longer period of time, I will post my return
date on the Forum Board ahead of time. I will also be checking in at the Forum Board several
times a week to answer any questions that have been posted there by students. Please check the
Forum Board before e-mailing your questions. Often a previous student has asked the same question
and the answer is posted for all to see. The messages will stay on the Forum Board throughout
your course. The Forum Board is also an excellent way to get feedback or to have questions
answered by your fellow classmates. Please check it often.
You may be interested in Education but differ in experience and background. While you are at the
Forum Board, if you see a question that is in your area of expertise, or you just happen to know
the answer, please share what you know. You are all in this together, so make it as easy on
yourself and your classmates as you can! I look forward to working with each of you, and I am
always happy to help.
Special Assignment
DUE THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS
I find it helpful for us to know a little bit about each other before the start of our busy
weeks together. I have begun the process with my personal biography. Please read my biography
posted on the Forum Board and respond with your biography. You can use mine as a model of what
to include. Please be sure to tell us if this is your first online class or if you have
experienced this environment before. Please respond to other students’ biographies with a
welcome note or a personal response to their content. I will respond to each of you personally
on the board, so please check back periodically. See you there!
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
Readings: Weekly Readings in the textbook.
Lectures: All Lectures are posted in the “Lectures” area in your classroom. There is one
lecture per week containing supplementary information.
Discussion Questions: You are required to answer a weekly Discussion Question listed under
“Assignments” and post it to the Forum Board each Sunday night at midnight your time and send a
copy to me at my e-mail address. This counts as a participation grade and is required for
attendance. If you miss two Discussion Questions in a row I will assume you have dropped the
course, unless you have notified me of your absence in advance.
Brief Papers: There are three brief papers 500 –800 words due at the end of the 2nd, 4th and
6th week, listed under “Assignments”.
Finals Research Paper: The final paper listed under “Assignments” is to be 3000 words in
length for an attempt at an “A” grade in the course or you have the option to choose the 1200
words in length paper for a possible “B” grade inn the course.
Week 1
Readings
The Foundations of Dual Language Instruction
Chapter 1: Historical and International Perspectives
Chapter 2: Dual Language Program models
Assignments
Read Lecture #1
Discussion Question #1 (post to Forum Board)
Week 2
Readings
Chapter 3: Aspect of Language
Chapter 4: Language Development
Assignments
Read Lecture #2
Discussion Question #2 (post to Forum Board)
#1 Brief Paper due (E-mail to instructor in Microsoft word or cut and paste to e-mail).
Week 3
Readings
Chapter 5: Language Ability
Chapter 6: Primary Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient Students
Assignments
Read Lecture #3
Discussion Question #3 (post to Forum Board)
Week 4
Readings
Chapter 7: Second Language Instruction
Chapter 8: Aspects of Culture
Assignments
Read Lecture #4
Discussion Question #4 (post to Forum Board)
#2 Brief Paper due. (E-mail to instructor in Microsoft word or cut and paste to e-mail).
Week 5
Readings
Chapter 9: Culture and Academic Success
Chapter 10: Legal Foundations of Dual Language Instruction
Chapter 11: The Politics of Bilingualism
Assignments
Read Lecture #5
Discussion Question #5 (post to Forum Board)
Week 6
Readings
The Natural Approach
Chapter 1: Traditional and Non-Traditional Approaches to Language teaching : Theory of Natural Approach
Chapter 2: Second Language Acquisition Theory
Chapter 3: Implications of Second Language Acquisition Theory in the Classroom
Assignments
Read Lecture #6
Discussion Question #6 (post to Forum Board)
#3 Brief Paper due. (E-mail to instructor in Microsoft word or cut and paste to e-mail
Week 7
Readings
Chapter 4: Getting Started With the Natural approach
Chapter 5: Oral Communication Development Through Acquisition Activities
Assignments
Read Lecture #7
Discussion Question #7 (post to Forum Board)
Week 8
Readings
Chapter 6: Additional Sources of Input for Acquisition and Learening
Chapter 7: Testing and Classroom Mangement
Assignments
Read Lecture #8
Final Research Paper due
Grading
Discussion Questions
It is your responsibility to read the question and respond substantively to the Message Room.
You will receive points for participation as well as for the quality of your answers. Other
students’ answers will be already posted in the Message Room. You may look at other responses
but be certain to formulate your own answers. You should always reflect back to the readings in
your answer as well as to your own personal or professional experience when applicable. All 8
Discussion Questions are worth 40% of your grade = 5 points each question.
Brief Papers
There are three brief papers 500 to 800 words in length. They should be submitted as e-mail
attached files. The student can produce these written assignments on word processor (preferably
Microsoft word or save as ”Rich Text”) then proof, spell check, and format the paper per
APA guidelines
Together the three papers are worth 36% of your grade = 9 points each chapter They are due at
the end of the first, third, and fifth week.
The Final Exam Paper
The final paper is a comprehensive response to a question based on curriculum development, while
demonstrating higher order critical thinking skills. Along with the successful completion of all
other assignments, the student has an option of writing a minimum 1,500-word paper for a maximum
“B” grade in the course or a minimum 3,000-word paper for a maximum grade of “A” in the course.
1500 word =13 points and 3000 word = 24 points
Total 100 points
A
B
C
D
=
=
=
=
90 - 100
80 - 89
70 - 79
60 - 69
An additional 5 bonus points will be awarded for personal biography and welcome responses.
All Students are expected to earn a “C” grade or better.
What To Do First:
Order your textbook immediately.
Read the Welcome Lecture under the Lecture tab.
Read my Biography on the Forum Board and respond with your Biography.
Notify me via e-mail with your name and e-mail address.
Until you receive your textbook, you may get started by reading the Lecture for Week #1 and
review the Discussion Question.
Contact me by e-mail anytime with questions, clarifications, feedback, etc.
