Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - LING 480 D100

Topics in Linguistics I (3)

Heritage Language Education

Class Number: 1952

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Requirements will vary according to the topic offered.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Investigation of a selected area of linguistic research. This course may be repeated once for credit if the topic is different.

COURSE DETAILS:

LING 480 examines fundamental concepts about Heritage Language Education (HLE) as well as contemporary topics arising from the field. The course is particularly relevant to everyone who lives in British Columbia where almost 1 in every 3 residents speaks a non-official language (i.e. English or French) as their first language (L1). We will look at the changes of HL both in and outside of Canada and how HLE is done via formal and informal instructions. The scope of the course covers topics such as language planning policy, language preservation, and documentation. At the end of the course, students will understand more about the factors that contribute to linguistic and cultural diversity in the world. They will also be equipped with knowledge for conducting further studies and research in HLE.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION
Weekly in-person lecture

Grading

  • Short quizzes X 3 30%
  • Short assignment 20%
  • Group project: Paper report (with drafts) 35%
  • Group project: Oral presentation 15%
  • No Final Exam

NOTES:

You will be assessed continuously through course work for the whole semester.

Students should familiarize themselves with the university policies on grading, appeals, academic concession and accommodation.

REQUIREMENTS:

PLATFORM USED:
Canvas

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED:
A laptop / desktop computer with stable internet access as occasional in-class work requires that

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course materials will be posted to Canvas regularly. There is no required textbook.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Brinton, D.M., Kagan, O., & Bauckus, S. (Eds.). (2008). Heritage Language Education: A New Field Emerging (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi-org.proxy.lib.sfu.ca/10.4324/9781315092997

Kagan, Carreira, Chik, Kagan, Olga, Carreira, Maria M., & Chik, Claire Hitchins. (2017). The Routledge handbook of heritage language education: from innovation to program building / edited by Olga E. Kagan, Maria M. Carreira, and Claire Hitchins Chik. Routledge. https://sfu-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/usv8m3/01SFUL_ALMA51529954720003611

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.