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SYLLABUS

Course Description
Romance Languages 501 is a practical and theoretical introduction to teaching languages.  The course begins with the theoretical component that incorporates historical and contemporary theories of language acquisition and instruction including the different types of learning contexts that promote second language learning. The course covers topics in applied linguistics such as individual learner differences, language and culture, and testing and assessment. The practical component focuses on the professional development as an instructor, roles of instructor and student, and daily classroom activities, with an emphasis on communicative language teaching and task-based instruction. Instructors will learn how to create activities where learners interact in meaningful, authentic ways and will begin to examine the integration of technology into foreign language teaching through the use of computer-assisted instruction.  Throughout the semester instructors will become reflective practitioners equipped with the tools to refine and perfect teaching practices.  As part of the course, instructors create a variety of teaching activities, teach with observations, and take part in one-on-one conferences concerning individual teaching practices. The course involves the creation of a teaching portfolio which consists of a teaching philosophy statement, different types of classroom activities, and an in-class exam. Finally, instructors will be able to conceptualize teaching practices in theoretical terms. 

Materials

Lee, James F. and Bill VanPatten. Making Communicative Language Teaching Happen.  New York: McGraw, 2003. 

Lightbown, Patsy M. and Nina Spada.  How Languages are Learned, 2nd ed.  Oxford: Oxford UP, 1999.

Optional Books:

Lee, James F.  Tasks and Communicating in Language Classrooms.  New York:  McGraw, 2000. 

Rava, Susan.  A TA's Guide to Teaching Foreign Languages.  (Selected Chapters)

*Selected articles will be added and distributed the week prior to an assignment.

Contact Information
Cindy Brantmeier
306 Ridgley Hall
cbrantme@wustl.edu
(314) 935-7953