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Languages and Language Acquisition unit (EPR215)

Location: Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces you to the foundations of second language acquisition and the learning of English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D). It has been designed to introduce you to the role of Languages within the curriculum, second language acquisition theories, an appreciation of the relevance of intercultural understanding, and links to first language learning. You will reflect on your role as an educator with regard to Languages education and the learning of English as an Additional Language or Dialect within the early childhood and primary sectors. In this unit, you will consider how language is acquired, and how the intercultural orientation of language learning leads to an appreciation of cultural issues and perspectives. You will engage in critical thinking around the key contemporary debates in Languages education and their role in language learning and learning across the curriculum. By developing understandings of the nature of language learning, you will begin to engage in close studies of resources and consider the implications for learning.

 

Summary

Unit name Languages and Language Acquisition
Unit code EPR215
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Faculty of Education
Discipline Education
Coordinator Doctor Andy Bown
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 21/2/2027 15/3/2027 18/4/2027 12/6/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply knowledge of: the role and value of additional language learning as an integral part of learning; the links between first and second language learning; the relevance of cultural understandings within a languages program and across the curriculum.
  • Describe the nature and development of languages learning.
  • Select and justify suitable resources for teaching and learning.
  • Explain your role in supporting learning through purposeful conversations, respecting diverse cultural perspectives, and reflecting on the impact of cultural biases and assumptions, with a focus on language learning.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

ESH110 or EPR110

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus:
Weekly online lectures or equivalent (2 hours) and weekly face-to-face tutorials or participation in discussion boards (1 hour)

Off Campus: 
Weekly online lectures or equivalent (2 hours) and weekly online tutorials or participation in discussion boards (1 hour)
 

AssessmentLanguage Acquisition Quiz (10%)|Reflective Statement (40%)|Selection of Suitable Language Learning Materials (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

There is no textbook for this unit. All required texts will be made available in MyLO.

Recommended

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2011). The shape of the Australian curriculum: Languages. Available from: https://docs.acara.edu.au/resources/Languages_-_Shape_of_the_Australian_Curriculum_new.pdf
Australian Government Department of Education [AGDE] (2022). Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (V2.0). https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf
Baker, W. (2022). Intercultural and transcultural awareness in language teaching. Cambridge: CUP
DeCapua, A., & Wintergerst, A.C. (2016). Crossing cultures in the language classroom (2nd ed.). USA: University of Michigan.
Gibbons, P. (2015). Scaffolding language scaffolding learning: Teaching English language learners in the mainstream classroom (2nd ed.). Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Jandt, F. (2017). An introduction to intercultural communication: Identities in a global community (9th ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage
Liddicoat, A.J., & Scarino, A. (2013). Intercultural language teaching and learning. West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell

Moloney, R., Harbon, L., & Oguro, S. (2024). Teaching for Linguistic Diversity in Schools: Student Wellbeing and Achievement. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Neuliep, J.W. (2017). Intercultural communication: A contextual approach (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks: SAGE 

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.