APLNG 597F: Sociocultural Theory and Second Language Learning

Spring, 2004 | Jim Lantolf and Steve Thorne | The Pennsylvania State University

http://language.la.psu.edu/aplng597f/

SYLLABUS

Week 1: Jan 15

Primary source material

• The collected works of L. S. Vygotsky, vol. 6. 1999. New York: Kluwer/Plenum Scientific Legacy.
  • Pg 27-44. The function of signs in the development of higher mental processes.
  • Pg 45-56. Analysis of sign operations in the child.
  • Pg. 57-68. Methods of studying higher mental functions.
• The collected works of L. S. Vygotsky, vol 4. 1997. New York: Kluwer/Plenum Scientific Legacy.
  • Pg 27-63 Research Method.
• Lantolf, J. P. (2000). Introducing sociocultural theory. In J. P. Lantolf (Ed.) Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Week 2: Jan 22

Introduction to sociocultural concepts applied to SLA: Genetic method, ZPD, activity theory, collaborative dialogue

• Lantolf and Thorne, forthcoming: The Genetic Method
• Ohta, A. S. (2000). Re-thinking interaction in SLA: Developmentally appropriate assistance in the Zone of proximal development and the acquisition of L2 grammar. In J. P. Lantolf (Ed.), Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: OUP.
• Swain, M. (2000). The output hypothesis and beyond: Mediating acquisition through collaborative dialogue. In J. P. Lantolf (Ed.) Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: OUP.
• Roebuck, R. (2000). Subjects speak out: How learners position themselves in a psycholinguistics task. In J. P. Lantolf (Ed.) Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: OUP.

Week 3: Jan 29

Mediating the self through language, semiotics, and meaning

In Lantolf (ed) 2000:

• Pavlenko, A. & J. P. Lantolf. (2000). Second language learning as participation and the (re)construction of selves. In J. P. Lantolf (Ed.) Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: OUP.
• Verity, D. P. (2000). Side affects: The strategic development of professional satisfaction. In J. P. Lantolf (Ed.) Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: OUP.
• Kramsch, C. (2000). Social discourse constructions of self in L2 learning. In J. P. Lantolf (Ed.), Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: OUP.

Week 4: Feb 5

SCT and theories of Language

• Mitchell, R. and R. Myles. (1998). Chapter 7. Second language learning theories. London: Edward Arnold.
• Lantolf and Thorne, forthcoming: Linguistics of speaking.
• Tomasello, M. (2003). Chapters 8 and 9 (p. 282-328). In Constructing a language: A usage-based theory of language acquisition. Harvard University Press: Cambridge.
• Wells, G. (1999). Chapter 1: The complementary contributions of Halliday and Vygotsky to a "Language-based theory of learning" (p. 3-50). In Dialogic Inquiry: Toward a sociocultural practice and theory of education. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

* Click here for a brief introduction to the ideas of MAK Halliday and Systemic-Functional Linguistics

Week 5: Feb 12

Mediation

• Lantolf, J. P. (2000). Second language learning as a mediated process. Language Teaching. April.
• Lantolf and Thorne, forthcoming: Mediation; Mediation and L2 Learning

Week 6: Feb 19

Internalization

• Valsiner, J.(1997). Magical phrases, human development, and psychological ontology. In Cox and Lightfoot, eds. Sociogenetic perspectives on internalization. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
• Lantolf, J. P. (2003). Intrapersonal communication and internalization in the second language classroom. In A. Kozulin, B. Gindis, V. S. Ageyev, & S. M. Miller (eds.). Vygotsky’s educational theory in cultural context. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Lantolf and Thorne, forthcoming: Internalization

Week 7: Feb 26

Activity Theory

• Lantolf and Thorne, forthcoming.
• Lantolf, J. P. & P. Genung. (2002). "I'd rather switch than fight": An activity theoretic study of power, success and failure in a foreign language classroom. Language Acquisition and Language Socialization: Ecological Perspectives. Ed. by C. Kramsch. London: Continuum Press.
• Coughlan, P. & P. A. Duff. (1994). Same task, different activities: Analysis of a SLA task from an activity theory perspective. In Lantolf & Appel, 1994. 173-194.
• Ellis, 2002: Task and activity

Week 8: Mar 4

Zone of Proximal Development

• Dunn, W. & J. P. Lantolf. (1998). i + 1 and the ZPD: Incommensurable constructs; incommensurable theories. discourses. Language Learning 48: 411-442.
• Aljaafreh, A. & J. P. Lantolf. (1994). Negative feedback as regulation and second language learning in the Zone of Proximal Development. The Modern Language Journal, 78/4, 465-483.
• Kinginger, C. (2002). Defining the zone of proximal development in US foreign language education. Applied Linguistics, 23, 240-261.
• Lantolf and Thorne, forthcoming: ZPD

Recommended:

• Lantolf, J. P. & A. Aljaafreh. (1995). Second language learning in the zone of proximal development: A revolutionary experience. International Journal of Educational Research, 23/7, 619-632.
• Nassaji, H. & M. Swain. (to appear). A Vygotskyan perspective towards corrective feedback in L2: the Effect of random vs. negotiated help on the acquisition of English articles. Language Awareness.

Week 9: March 18

Perspectives on the production and consequence of theory in SLA

• Lantolf, J. P. and A. Pavlenko. 2001. (S)econd (L)anguage (A)activity. Understanding second language learners as people. In M. Breen (ed.) Learner contributions to language learning: New directions in research. London: Longman.
• Block, D. (2003). : Chap 5. The social turn in second language acquisition. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
• In Lantolf (ed) 2000:
  • Thorne, S. L. (2000). Second language acquisition theory and the truth(s) about relativity. In J. P. Lantolf (Ed.), Sociocultural theory and second language learning. Oxford: OUP.
  • van Lier, L. (2000). From input to affordance: Social-interactive learning from an ecological perspective. In J. P. Lantolf (Ed.), Sociocultural theory and second languae learning. Oxford: OUP. (also, pedagogy)

* Note: David Block will lecture on March 23^rd! Details forthcoming.

Week 10: March 25

Pedagogy

• Thorne, S. (in press). Cultural Historical Activity Theory and the Object of Innovation. In Oliver St. John, Kees van Esch, & Eus Schalkwijk (Eds). New Insights into Foreign Language Learning and Teaching. Peter Lang Verlag, Frankfurt.(Germany).
• Donato, R. (1994). Collective scaffolding in second language learning. In Lantolf & Appel, 1994. 33-56.
• Swain, M & S. Lapkin. (1998). Interaction and second language learning: Two adolescent French immersion students working together. The Modern Language Journal 82: 320-337.
• Swain, M., Lapkin, S. (2000). Task-based second language learning: the uses of the first language. Language Teaching Research. 4, 251-274.

• Lapkin, S., Swain, M. (2002). Reformulation and the Learning of French Pronominal Verbs in a Canadian French Immersion Context. The Modern Language Journal 86/4: 485-507.
• Nassaji, H., Swain, M. (2000). A Vygotskian Perspective on Corrective Feedback in L2: The Effect of Random versus Negotiated Help on the Learning of English Articles. Language Awareness 9/1:34-51.
• Storch, N. (2002). Patterns of interaction in ESL pair work. Language Learning, 52, 119-158.

Week 11: April 1

More pedagogy

• de Guerrero, M. C. M. & O. Villamil. (2000). Activating the ZPD: Mutual scaffolding in L2 peer revision. Modern Language Journal. 84/1: 51-68.
• Ellis, R. (1997). Chapter 9: SLA in the classroom. SLA Research and Language Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Poehner, M. & J. P. Lantolf. (forthcoming). Dynamic Assessment and L2 Development: Bringing the Past into the Future.
• Thorne, S. (2003). Artifacts and cultures-of-use in intercultural communication . Language Learning & Technology 7/2: 38-67.

Week 12: April 8

Self-regulation and culture

• Frawley, W. & J. P. Lantolf. (1985). Second language discourse: a Vygotskyan perspective. Applied Linguistics, 6, 19-44. Lantolf 1993: SCT theory and the second language classroom
• Lantolf, J. P. (1998). Second culture acquisition: Cognitive considerations. In E. Hinkel (Ed.) Culture in teaching and learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University.

Week 13: April 15

SCT and other theories

• Lantolf, J. (forthcoming). Exegesis Sociocultural and Second Language Learning Research: An Exegesis. In E. Hinkel. Handbook of Research in Second Language Teaching and Learning. Erlbaum.

• Platt, E. & F. B. Brooks. (1994). The acquisition-rich environment revisited. Modern Language Journal, 78/4, 497-511.
• OTHERS

Week 14: April 22

In-class presentations of term papers

Week 15: *Sunday, April 25

In-class presentation of term papers

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Course Links for APLNG 597f, Spring 2004

APLNG 597f Description and Requirements | Theory Links | SCT L2 Select Bibliography

Comments or Questions? Contact Jim Lantolf or Steve Thorne, The Pennsylvania State University