This is an introductory survey course that will enable students to understand major research questions and goals in second language acquisition, the extent of current knowledge in this area of inquiry, and how we can view the same questions from different theoretical vantage points. Two of the central questions for discussion will be whether there is a critical period for the native-like acquisition of a second language and the extent to which second language grammars (including systematically occurring non-native errors in syntax, morphology, and phonology) can be directly attributed to the influence of the grammar of the learner's native language.

The course will consist of weekly instruction, weekly readings to be summarized orally by pairs of students, active participation in discussions, short data collection assignments, and a final exam.