Program Overview

Course Overview

The course ENG2153, First and Second Language Acquisition, is an intermediate-level course that provides an introduction to the acquisition of first and second languages, with a special focus on how theoretical knowledge of these phenomena can be employed in improving methods for second language instruction and for practical purposes in education and language teaching.

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Intermediate course, level II
• Course Start: Autumn 2025
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of Instruction: English
• Location: Trondheim
• Examination Arrangement: Home exam

Course Content

The course covers the main aspects of child language development, first language acquisition, with respect to phonology, vocabulary, and grammar. It also explains methods used to investigate children's linguistic development, provides an account of the distinctive features and possible causes of atypical language acquisition, and describes main factors in and characteristics of bilingual language development.

Learning Outcome

Candidates who have passed this course can:

• Describe the main aspects of child language development and first language acquisition with respect to phonology, vocabulary, and grammar.
• Explain methods used to investigate children's linguistic development.
• Provide an account of the distinctive features and possible causes of atypical language acquisition.
• Describe main factors in and characteristics of bilingual language development.
• Provide an account of important factors influencing second language acquisition.
• Describe and evaluate different theoretical models for explaining the acquisition of language.
• Provide an account of the debate over the extent to which human beings' innate language capacity can be seen as a self-contained module specific to the species.
• Discuss differences and similarities between first and second language acquisition.
• Evaluate how theoretical knowledge about language acquisition can be used to improve foreign language teaching methods.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course combines lectures, seminars, online activities, group activities, and/or supervision, with a high degree of student activity required. Students should expect approximately 10 hours of work per week, including teaching time.

Compulsory Assignments

• Oral presentation, approximately 15 minutes.
• Approved obligatory assignment is valid for 2 semesters.

Evaluation

The course is assessed by a written home examination (3 days), of approximately 2500 words. The exam must be answered in English.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

ENG1101, ENG1102, or equivalent approved course.

Course Materials

The curriculum/reading list will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

Subject Areas

• English Language
• English
• English Linguistics

Examination Details

• Examination Arrangement: Home exam
• Grade: Letter grades
• Ordinary Examination - Autumn 2025: Home exam, weighting 100/100, duration 3 days.
• Ordinary Examination - Spring 2026: Home exam, weighting 100/100, duration 3 days.