Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - LING 360 B100

Introduction to Applied Linguistics (3)

Class Number: 1412

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Suzanne Hilgendorf
    skh7@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-8583

  • Prerequisites:

    LING 220.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Theoretical and practical aspects of second language learning.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores theoretical and practical aspects of second language learning as they apply to the adult second language classroom. It provides an overview of major issues and research findings in the fields of second language acquisition (SLA) and foreign language pedagogy.

We will cover topics on theory and research in SLA: input and interaction, learner variation (age, motivation, experience, and aptitude), learner output, and second language teaching methods. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences as language learners, as well as to evaluate SLA pedagogy methods.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION: Blended. One hour face-to-face, ca. two hours asynchronous podcast lecture. 

MODE OF DELIVERY: Face-to-face lectures in classroom, mp4 podcast lecture files available for download. 

Outline of Blended Instruction –

As a Blended course, this class will have a combination of in-person and online components, with the online components replacing in-person class time.

The originally designated three hours of weekly in-person instruction will be divided into 2 hours asynchronous (online) and 1 hour synchronous (in-person) instruction.

For the asynchronous instruction, students will need to access two ca. 1-hour lecture podcasts posted in the course’s Canvas site each week. Students are expected to listen to these lecture podcasts and complete brief participation activities (5-10 minutes each) before 4:00 pm on Thursdays, the day the class meets.

For the synchronous instruction, the class will meet virtually in-person for 1 hour on Thursdays, from 4:30 pm to 5:20 pm. The in-person sessions will focus on clarifying information in the podcasts and assigned readings as well as addressing student questions. Students also will complete group work assignments.

The four scheduled tests will be completed in-person during these 1-hour class meetings.

Grading

  • Attendance and brief podcast participation activities: 15%
  • Participation in on-line discussion board: 10%
  • In-class group work/short writing assignments: 15%
  • Four tests (50 mins each): 60%
  • No Final Exam

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

PLATFORM: Canvas

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: Laptop, Tablet and/or Smartphone; Internet, Ability to listen to mp4 files

REQUIRED READING:

Lightbown, Patsy & Spada, Nina. (2021). How Languages are Learned. (Fifth Edition). Oxford University Press,
ISBN: 978-0194406291

Larsen-Freeman, Diane. (2011). Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching. (Third Edition). Oxford: Oxford University Press Available for free download.
ISBN: 978-0-19-442360-1

RECOMMENDED READING:

Brown, S. & Larson-Hall, J. (2012). Second Language Acquisition Myths. University of Michigan Press. 
ISBN: 978-0472034987

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities.

Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.

All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.