Foreign Language Teaching: Theory and Practice (403-0-20)

Instructors

Patricia Scarampi
847/467-3685
1860 Campus Drive, Crowe Hall #2-117

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 106: Mon 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This course introduces key approaches, methods, and materials used in the teaching of French, grounded in current research in Second Language Acquisition. Students will examine major theoretical frameworks and apply them to the development of the four skills, such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing, as well as to the teaching of culture. Through hands‑on practice and critical reflection, students will begin shaping their own philosophy of foreign language instruction. By the end of the course, they will have developed essential pedagogical tools and strengthened their metalinguistic awareness, preparing them to become effective and confident language instructors.

Registration Requirements

Senior and/or 300 level advanced class or consent of instructor.

Learning Objectives

For both graduate and undergraduate students:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

critically evaluate current research in Second Language Acquisition and Applied Linguistics and explain its implications for classroom practice

describe and interpret the contemporary landscape of second‑language teaching, including major pedagogical trends and challenges

analyze key cognitive, social, and cultural processes involved in learning a second language and its associated cultures

identify, assess, and justify the use of well‑designed language‑learning activities that support communicative competence

design and articulate detailed lesson plans that integrate research‑based methods, clear learning outcomes, and appropriate assessment strategies

For graduate students:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

reflect critically on their own experiences as language learners and teachers

apply theoretical rationales behind current methods and teaching practices to make pedagogical decisions

formulate and communicate a coherent, research‑informed, and well‑articulated teaching philosophy

Class Materials (Required)

Brandl, K. (2021). Communicative Language Teaching in Action: Putting Principles to Work. (Second Edition). San Diego: Cognella. ISBN-13: 978-1793512314