This course is designed to explore the nature of research in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and to help situate students theoretically and methodologically in this research domain. We will investigate both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with slightly more emphasis on quantitative research design. The course will cover processes of conducting research, from identifying problems, formulating research questions, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, to writing up research for presentation and publication.

Course Objectives include:
1. Build awareness of practical and ethical issues in doing second language research
2. Read, analyze, and synthesize literature related to SLA
3. Understand the key concepts and vocabulary frequently used by SLA researchers and applied linguists
4. Examine issues of data collection, data analysis, research design, and writing for publication in relation to SLA and applied linguistics research
5. Compare and contrast research designs and methods and identify examples of each
6. Explore various research strategies used in qualitative and quantitative research
7. Write a research proposal or research paper

This course explores the theory, practice, and pedagogical application of the latest Internet and communication technologies in second/foreign language education, situated in view of the latest CALL (computer-assisted language learning), CMC (computer-mediated communication), SLA (second language acquisition and development), and applied/educational linguistics research. These technologies include, but are not limited to, synchronous and asynchronous chat, blogs, wikis and collaborative documents, audio (podcasting), video, virtual world/digital gaming, mobile/handheld computing, and social networking tools and sites.

This course provides an introduction to the teaching of second, foreign, or additional language (L2) writing in diverse contexts. Through readings, discussions, and activities, you will develop your understanding of the theory, research, and practice of L2 writing. We will explore a range of issues, including L2 writing development, culture and identity, pedagogical approaches, course design, feedback on student writing, and writing assessment. While we will work to develop familiarity with L2 writing research and theory and its inter-relations with L1 composition, the course will be grounded in practical and hands-on work with the goal of building your pedagogical knowledge as well as tools and strategies for working with second language writers across settings.

This course provides an introduction to the teaching of second, foreign, or additional language (L2) speech, listening, and pronunciation in diverse contexts. Through readings, discussions, and activities, you will develop your understanding of the theory, research, and practice of L2 speech, listening, and pronunciation. We will explore a range of issues, including L2 oral/aural development, identity, pedagogical approaches, course design, feedback on student oral performance, and assessment. While we will work to develop familiarity with L2 speaking, listening, and pronunciation research and theory, the course will be grounded in practical and hands-on work with the goal of building your pedagogical knowledge as well as tools and strategies for working with second language speakers across settings.

The course will provide a general overview of the TESL profession covering prominent theories, methodologies, and issues in the field. Coursework will cover the major methods, including Grammar-Translation, the Direct Method, Audiolingualism, and Communicative Language Teaching. In addition, issues of learner variables, motivation, and contexts of teaching and learning will also be addressed. Students will participate in mock lessons, tutoring sessions, and observations. Graduate level requirements include a 12-15 page research paper with bibliography of at least eight sources.

Theory and practice of teaching writing in secondary schools and colleges. Graduate-level requirements include a special topics paper.

The evolution of English sounds, inflections, and vocabulary from earliest times to the present, with attention to historical conditions. Graduate-level requirements include an in-depth research paper.

Program evaluation history, principles and techniques; political context, illustrative cases, technical skills for determining merit or making decisions about educational and social programs.

Theoretical and practical application of psychometric techniques to test construction, analysis, and interpretation of test results.

Descriptive, correlational, and inferential procedures for presenting and analyzing school and research data. For students in all fields.