Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Second Language Acquisition and Research (Hybrid)

TESL 4400-30Y

Course: TESL 4400-30Y
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: TED
CRN: 13162

Course Description

This course offers an in-depth analysis of prominent theories of second language acquisition, including the factors that influence language learners. The course also familiarizes students with research into second language teaching and learning.

Required Texts

There is no required textbook. Students will access texts online through Canvas and the SUU Library website.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of the course, students can:


·         Identify the cognitive, social, personal, and other factors that influence second language acquisition and interlanguage development.


·         Summarize the key components of a second language research article.

·         Design a research study on a topic of interest related to second language acquisition.

Course Requirements

Canvas

Course Outline


MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS:


·         Quizzes: Each week, students will complete quizzes that verify their understanding of key concepts from course readings and the application of those concepts to learning contexts.


·         Research article presentation: At least once during the semester, each student will make an oral presentation on a selected research article.


·         Research project and paper: Students will carry out a research project that involves collecting data and analyzing the results. Then students will write a research paper which will include a literature review, methods, findings, and conclusions.


·         Final presentation: Students will give an oral presentation of their research project.


GRADES:


·         Quizzes & Canvas assignments (30%)


·         Research article presentation (15%)


·         Research project and paper (40%)


·         Final presentation (15%)


IMPORTANT DATES (subject to change):


  • IRB application for research project    Jan. 23

  • Research article presentation    Mar. 20

  • Research paper   Apr. 17

  • Final presentation   Apr. 24


WEEKLY DESCRIPTIONS (subject to change): 


Week 1: Theories of Second Language Acquisition I


Week 2: Theories of Second Language Acquisition II


Week 3: IRB Form


Week 4: Quantitative & Qualitative Research reports


Week 5: Research Paper


Week 6: Principles of SLA


Week 7: Language Learning styles


Week 8: Language Learning strategies


Week 9: Output & Interaction


Week 10: Age & SLA


Week 11: Error Correction


Week 12: Use of Material 


Week 13: Complexity of Language Learning


Week 14: Research paper


Week 15: Final Presentation


Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Major assignments and quizzes turned in more than a week late will not be accepted. Make-up assignments may be arranged provided that a valid excuse (e.g. doctor’s note) is presented in a timely fashion. 

Attendance Policy

Attending class is a vital part of this course and will influence your overall course performance. 

Course Fees

None.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.