JAPAN 441: The Acquisition of Japanese as a Second/Foreign Language
MEB 242
How do people learn Japanese? How are languages learned in general? How can we learn more about language learning processes? In this course, these questions will be addressed by considering Japanese second language acquisition (SLA) research themes that are of interest to undergraduates new to the study of SLA. Themes include classroom SLA, learner language, language learning motivation, language learning and gender, and study abroad. Students will read research on Japanese SLA in each of these areas, with lectures clarifying theoretical frameworks and broader findings in the field in each of these areas. Students will also collect and analyze data both via class-wide and individual projects, with interview research being taught as a methodology of inquiry. This course is taught in English.
Prerequisites: Japan 203/213/234. Students without a background in Japanese may enroll with permission.
Assignment descriptions are below in the Course Summary. For learning objectives, grading practices and course policies, see full syllabus.