Module: Introduction to Applied Linguistics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Applied Linguistics
Module Code	LIG1012 (ITS: LC152)
Faculty	SALIS	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to deepen students’ understanding of some key areas in Applied Linguistics and related fields, and how these relate to language teaching and learning in multicultural, multilingual, and technology rich educational settings. Drawing on these theories, students will critically reflect on their own language learning experience and contribute knowledgeably to discussions on contemporary language education issues. Students will apply these theories to real-word scenarios in a creative and collaborative manner and engage in a critical literature review of research conducted on controversial topics in Applied Linguistics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding of different views and theories of language, language use, and second/foreign language acquisition and development (SLA/D) and how these can be related to second/foreign language learning in informal and formal settings
2. Contribute knowledgeably to discussions on the role of technology and digital literacies in language teaching and learning
3. Critically assess the application of core principles and concepts of SLA and related theories as they underpin the design of second/foreign language learning environments and/or activities, including technology-rich environments
4. Draw on Applied Linguistics theories and related fields to identify and successfully address simple and more complex language-related problems that people encounter in real world multilingual and multicultural settings
5. Reflect on their language learning experience to date in the light of their newly acquired knowledge of key concepts and core issues in Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, and related fields.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Presentation and discussion of key concepts and core issues. Students should participate actively during class discussions.
Directed learning	36	Preparation for class sessions is essential for the success of this class; this includes reading/watching the required materials before the session and completing any assigned activities.
Independent Study	40	Students are expected to engage autonomously in activities that will foster their understanding of the module's content. This includes individual work and planned interaction with classmates to review class content or/and complete collaborative tasks.
Assignment Completion	25	Preparation and completion of CA1 including reviewing class materials and textbook content. Preparation and completion of CA2 including the design and the production of the digital project. Preparation and completion of CA3 including choosing a topic, reviewing the literature and writing up the paper.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20633	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Inmaculada Gómez Soler	Module Teacher	Fiona Gallagher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	Students will have to answer questions related to the theories and concepts we discussed in class and show their understanding of these ideas by analysing short excerpts and/or problems and applying these concepts to their own learning experiences.	40%	n/a
Group presentation	In small groups, students will identify and formulate a real-word language-related problem that some members of the DCU student community encounter at the university level or have encountered at the secondary school level. Drawing on the theories and technologies explored in class, they will analyse the problem, propose concrete solutions, and make a recommendation to the university/school. Presentations will take place in class.	30%	n/a
Research Paper	Students will conduct research on a controversial topic in the field of Applied Linguistics. Students will present both sides of the debate as well as their own reflection on the topic and how it applies to their language learning experience. A list of possible topics will be provided by the lecturer on the last day of class.	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Key theories and concepts in Applied Linguistics and Language Learning
Students will be introduced to key topics and contemporary debates in Applied Linguistics. We will cover 3 units. UNIT 0: What is Applied Linguistics? - Definitions of Applied Linguistics and its connections with other fields. UNIT 1: Theories of Second Language Acquisition - Theoretical perspectives on SLA including, among others, cognitive and sociocultural approaches. UNIT 2: Applications to Language Teaching - Historical evolution of teaching methods. Topics and current debates related to instructional issues. CEFR and its application to language teaching. UNIT 3: The Language Learner: learner development, individual differences, the age factor, and bilingualism.

Work format
This module includes weekly class sessions. Because the module follows a flipped approach to instruction, it is essential that students complete the assigned work before each class session in order to be able to participate in class discussions. Coursework involves individual and pair/group work to complete tasks. Class sessions will require student interaction and participation. Students are also expected to communicate with classmates outside our timetabled sessions in order to complete group tasks and assignments.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Hummel, Kirsten M.: 2014, Introducing second language acquisition: Perspectives and practices., John Wiley & Sons, 97811185881

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Additional resources on Loop,