Linguistic Foundations of First and Second Language Acquistion

Course Details

Course Number: EDBE 5033  Section Number: 270

Spring 2011

Location: Dillard College of Business Administration

Classroom Number: 342

Days & Times:

Wednesday 5:30 - 8:20pm



Course Attachments

Syllabus  EDBE5033270Syllabus.pdf

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Linda Prieto   
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Course Objectives
  1. Students will be exposed to the field of linguistics with particular emphasis on bilingual/ELL pedagogy.
  2. Students will learn methods of analysis, the nature of language and language systems.
  3. Students will acquire linguistic knowledge of the production of sounds in English and Spanish.
  4. Students will acquire linguistic knowledge of English as a second language.
  5. Students will be exposed to language variation and modification.
  6. Students will understand the interdependence of first (L1) and target languages (L2).
  7. Students will be introduced to linguistic concepts they need to understand to make informed decisions based on scientific information about how to teach emerging bilinguals.

Course Expectations

1. Student Engagement                                                                                                            15%

You are expected to complete assignments prior to class and to actively participate in (small and large) group discussions (may include in-class writing assignments).

 

2. Paired (Auto)biographical Dialogue Project                                                             25%

For this assignment you will be paired with a classmate (as determined by the professor). You will take turns interviewing one another. Interviews will be digitally recorded and submitted to the professor. You will ask and answer all questions listed on the P(A)BDs guide (posted on WebCT) as well as develop and answer an additional two culturally relevant questions (questions must be approved by the professor). Each interview shall be no less than 45-minutes in length. No interview is expected to last more than one and a half hours. After conducting the paired interviews, you and your partner will write each other’s cultural and linguistic biographies as well as comment on one another’s writing.

 

When writing your report, consider how you would incorporate a student from this cultural background into your classroom—How would you embrace this culture? How would you integrate this culture into your classroom? What is most important for teachers to know about this culture? Your P(A)BD paper shall be no less than five (5) double-spaced pages written in Times New Roman 12-point font. You are to utilize the American Psychological Association (APA) writing guidelines. It is expected that sources of information are credited in the paper. A completed Writing Checklist (posted on WebCT) must be included with your report.

 

You will also develop a 15-minute presentation about your partner to introduce her/him to the class. Your presentation will use some form of technology and include at least one cultural artifact that represents your partner.

 

3. Class Presentation on Selected Readings                                                                  15%

You will sign up in pairs to present and lead discussion on assigned readings for a given class. The possible readings have been identified in bold on the Calendar. Use of technology is highly encouraged.

 

4. Linguistic Community Project                                                                                  25%

In pairs, of your choosing, you will conduct a brief community study in two public school settings. The focus of this study is to examine and help us understand the social construction of language, specifically Spanish/English bilingualism in those settings. This project will involve interviews, surveys, observations, and readings related to the status of Spanish/English bilingualism in the setting you select. The study will also involve a compare and contrast of your corresponding schools/classrooms. Your linguistic community paper shall be no less than five (5) double-spaced pages written in Times New Roman 12-point font. You are to utilize the American Psychological Association (APA) writing guidelines. It is expected that sources of information are credited in the paper.

 

You will also develop a 15-minute presentation to share your findings with the class. Your presentation must incorporate some form of technology.

 

5. Final Exam                                                                                                              20%

The final exam is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11th from 5:45-7:45pm. The format may include: fill in the blank, multiple choice, true/false, complete the sentence, matching and/or short answer.


Grading Standards

A         90 – 100%                  Work is outstanding and exemplary

B          80 – 89%                   Work that is above the minimum requirements

C         70 – 79%                    Work that meets expected level of performance for most students

D         60 – 69%                   Work that falls short of minimum criteria

F      59% or below                 Work that falls well below the expected level of performance for most students


Final Exam5/11/2011  5:45pm

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Late Assignment Policy – Assignments need to be turned in on the due date.  If for some reason you are unable to bring in an assignment, you must e-mail it, or send it in with a friend when it is due. Ten points will be deducted each day it is late. Extenuating circumstances must be discussed with the instructor at least 2 days before the due date, but only one time per semester. Assignments must be turned in with a hard copy on the day they are due, as stated on the course calendar.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

1. You are expected to attend all classes. Failure to attend class will result in a loss of 5 points from your overall grade for the third absence. Each absence after this one will result in your grade being lowered an additional 10 points. Students with seven or more absences cannot receive a grade higher than an “F” for the course. If you are going to be absent or late, e-mail or phone the instructor prior to class. This is good professional practice.

 

2. You are only allowed 2 absences. Excused absences are those requiring a doctor’s excuse or other written documentation, which must be turned in to the Dean of Students’ Office for further evaluation. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the written documentation to avoid the loss of points. An exception can be given if it is a religious holiday. You need to notify the instructor immediately as you become aware that an absence will occur.

 

3. Punctuality is also expected for all classes. Arriving 5 minutes late for the class is considered a tardy. Three tardies will result in a loss of 5 points from your overall grade. Each tardy after this one will result in your grade being lowered an additional 10 points. When you arrive 10 minutes after class has started or leave before it ends, you will be counted absent for that class.


Other Policies

Study Time Requirements – For each class hour, at least three hours outside of class are expected. This course will meets 3 hours a week. Therefore it is expected that you spend 9 outside-of-class hours each week to read, study, and complete your assignments. It is expected that if you enrolled in this course, you can meet the time requirements.

 

Disability Support – As the faculty of the West College of Education, we are dedicated to helping meet the needs of our students with disabilities and are eager to provide the accommodations to which such students are entitled. If you have a documented disability but are not registered with the Office of Disability, please contact that office immediately to register.

 

Academic Honesty PolicyHonesty is a fundamental assumption in all academic activities. Students who belong to a university community have the obligation to observe the highest standards of honesty and to expect the same standards of others.  “Academic honesty involves the submission of work that is wholly the student’s own work, except in the case of assigned group work. Additionally, academic honesty involves the proper citation of other authors’ works.”

 

Professionalism PolicyConduct as a professional educator is expected at all times. “Attendance, punctuality the quality of your interactions with colleagues and supervisors, and the quality and timeliness regarding completing assignments all determine your professionalism, which in turn, signals your readiness to advance in the teacher education program.” Silence all cell phones before class starts. No texting is allowed. Texting is very distracting to all members of the class and is considered rude and disrespectful behavior.

 

Handout PolicyThe instructor will only take responsibility for having handouts and materials at class on the day initially provided.  If you have to be absent, be sure to make arrangements for a peer to collect materials for you.

  

Inclement Weather Policy – In case of inclement weather, students are encouraged to check the weather announcement on the MSU homepage or to call the education department (397-4370) if they have no immediate access to the Internet.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.