Second Language Acquisition

3 Credit Hours for CLD 503-PD001 for ASU registrations processed in Summer Semester 2026 Introduction to second language acquisition (SLA) theory and the application of SLA theory to second/foreign language teaching practices. Explores what it means to know a language and, hence, how one learns/ acquires a second language. The emphasis in the course is to provide an opportunity to become familiar with up-to-date major theories of language acquisition (e.g., linguistic, psychological, sociological, etc.). That is, what happens in the mind of L1 learners and expand to 2L learners. This is not a methodology course, though certain methods and approaches will be discussed as they are direct applications of 2L theories. Instead, students will be exposed to what research data show about the complex process of learning a second language, and to teach them how to rely on these data to understand a number of major models (theories) of 2LL and, as a result, be able to use this knowledge to evaluate different methods, materials and assessments for 2LL/CLD Introduction to second language acquisition (SLA) theory and the application of SLA theory to second/foreign language teaching practices. Explores what it means to know a language and, hence, how one learns/ acquires a second language. The emphasis in the course is to provide an opportunity to become familiar with up-to-date major theories of language acquisition (e.g., linguistic, psychological, sociological, etc.). That is, what happens in the mind of L1 learners and expand to 2L learners. This is not a methodology course, though certain methods and approaches will be discussed as they are direct applications of 2L theories. Instead, students will be exposed to what research data show about the complex process of learning a second language, and to teach them how to rely on these data to understand a number of major models (theories) of 2LL and, as a result, be able to use this knowledge to evaluate different methods, materia