Fall 2026 - FREN 416 D100
Acquisition of French as a Second Language (3)
Class Number: 6614
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Christian Guilbault
guilbaul@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
FREN 275 and FREN 301W and at least one 300-level FREN linguistics course.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Examines cognitive, linguistic and social processes involved in the acquisition of a second language, with a focus on the acquisition of French, especially as an official language and in a minority language context.
COURSE DETAILS:
Do children learn languages better than adults? Is living in a French-speaking environment necessary to become bilingual? Why do some language-learning errors persist for years? Why are some learners more successful than others? How can the process of second language acquisition be enhanced?
Drawing on some of the most influential research in the field of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), with particular attention to the acquisition of French as a second language, this course invites students to explore a series of fundamental questions about how additional languages are learned. Each question serves as a starting point for examining major theoretical perspectives, empirical research, and ongoing scholarly debates.
The course will combine:
- lectures;
- guided discussions;
- analysis of linguistic data;
- student presentations;
- critical reflection on the learning of French as a second language.
Students will be expected to play an active role in the construction of knowledge and in facilitating selected class discussions.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the major questions investigated in the field of Second Language Acquisition (SLA).
- Explain the linguistic processes involved in second language acquisition in general, with particular emphasis on the acquisition of French as a second language.
- Identify the contributions of major researchers who have shaped the development of the field.
- Explain and compare major theories of second language acquisition.
- Read and interpret research studies in the field of Second Language Acquisition.
- Critically evaluate the arguments and empirical evidence presented in the scholarly literature.
- Relate research findings to their own experience as learners of French as a second language.
- Communicate research-informed analyses effectively in both oral and written forms.
Department Undergraduate Notes:
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.