Second Language Acquisition
About the course
This course is intended for students in the bachelor's programme in English and students in the programme for teacher education years 8-13 (lektorutdanning trinn 8-13, studieretning engelsk).
This course may be taken as a single course.
This course focuses on different theories of how people learn a language after they have acquired their native language.
The students will learn about:
- differences between the acquisition of L1 and L2,
- the role of the native language and universal grammar,
- different processes involved in the learning of a second language,
- the role of learner characteristics and instruction in second language acquisition.
Admission requirements
Higher Education Entrance Qualification (generell studiekompetanse) or prior learning and work experience (realkompetanse).
Application code: 9199 - Enkeltemner (ikke realfag), lavere grad (Nordic applicants).
A good grasp of oral and written English is recommended.
Objectives of the course
The students have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
The student:
- know the basic theories of SLA
- has a good knowledge of important aspects in the field of SLA, such as the differences between first and second language acquisition, the role of the native language, universal grammar, learner characteristics and instructed learning in SLA.
Skills
The student is able to/can:
- give an account of the basic theories of SLA
- explain the role of the native language, universal grammar, learner characteristics and instruction in SLA
- explain the differences between the acquisition of L1 and L2
- use their knowledge to evaluate and analyze different theories, texts and samples of language production.
Teaching methods
Lectures, seminars, exercises, discussions. The teaching is distributed over the whole semester with intervals of teaching-free periods when the students work on their own.
Quality assurance:
The course undergoes a midterm evaluation or an end-of-term evaluation every third year.
Language of instruction and examination
English.Recommended reading/syllabus
Du kan se og få tilgang til deler av pensum via Leganto.
Pensumliste for ENG-2050 - Second Language Acquisition (HØST 2026)Schedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
This course is open to incoming exchange students.
Study level: Bachelor’s
Admission prerequisites:
A good command of both oral and written English is recommended.
For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.
Examination
| School exam | Date: 09.12.2026 09:00 Duration: 4 Hours |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Essay and oral presentation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the coursework requirements
- A short essay
- An oral presentation