Instructor: Dr. Robert S. Carlisle
Section: 50; TW from 3:30-5:30.
Office: 201E Faculty Tower
Office Hours: TW from 1:00-3:30
Email Address: rcarlisle@csubak.edu

Required Texts:
Brown, H. D. (1994). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. Eglewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.
Carlisle, R. (1999). Lecture Notes for English 418: spring 2000.
Samples of ESL writing.

This course is a general introduction to the process of acquiring a second language. It examines the internal and external factors pertinent to that process, but much of the course will be dedicated to describing and analyzing the language produced by non-native English speakers. Students in the course are expected to have fulfilled the prerequisite of at least one course in general linguistics or the structure of English.

Some topics will covered in greater depth than others, specifically language universals, variability in language production, interlanguage phonology and writing in a second language. Bibliographies are available on the last two topics.

Analysis of ESL Writing. During the first few weeks of the course, students will spend a substantial amount of time analyzing the writing of ESL students and should purchase Samples of ESL writing as soon as possible. Most of the work will be done in class, and class attendance will be obligatory during this unit. All students will then write a paper on ESL writing based on what they have learned from their analysis.

Final Examination. The final examination for the course will be comprehenise, covering information from the entire ten weeks. Students are expected to read both textbooks for the course and attend lectures to be prepared for the examination. The instructor will provide detailed information about the final examination later in the quarter.

Final grades in the course will be based upon the grade distribution in the table below.

As indicated in the table above, the midterm will be 30% of the final grade, the final exam will be 40%, and the paper on ESL writing will constitute the other 30%. Students may calculate their own final grades by filling out a grading guide.

I have scheduled five hours of office hours per week for students, but I realize that many students have problems meeting with their instructors at specific times. Therefore, I actively encourage students to send me messages if they have questions about the content of the course. The questions should be as specific as possible and relate directly to the material being studied. More general questions should be asked during the class.

If you enjoy this course, the minor in linguistics might be for you.

April 17, 2000: Last date to withdraw without a "W" being recorded.
May 15, 2000: Last date to withdraw for a serious and compelling reason.