This course examines the foundations and processes of language acquisition, second language acquisition, bilingualism, and language development, with particular attention to culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Students explore major theories of first and second language acquisition, stages and patterns of language development, and the cognitive, social, cultural, and educational factors that influence language learning. The course also examines bilingual and multilingual development and the relationship between a learner's first language and the acquisition of additional languages. Emphasis is placed on applying research and theory to instructional practices that support multilingual learners' linguistic and academic development.

At the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Analyze major theories and research related to first and second language acquisition and explain how they inform instructional practices for multilingual learners. InTASC 1,4,9; TESOL P-12 Standards 1,2
2. Evaluate the linguistic, cognitive, social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence language development, bilingualism, and multilingual identity. InTASC 1,2,3; TESOL P-12 Standards 1,2,3
3. Examine the developmental characteristics of multilingual learners, including language transfer, interlanguage, biliteracy, and academic language development, to support appropriate instructional decision-making. InTASC 1,2,7; TESOL P-12 Standards 2,3,4
4. Apply principles of language acquisition research to design equitable, research-based learning experiences that promote language growth and academic achievement for English learners. InTASC 2,7,8; TESOL P-12 Standards 3,4
5. Interpret language development through multiple perspectives, recognizing the influence of family, community, culture, and educational environments on multilingual students. InTASC 2,3,10; TESOL P-12 Standards 1,3,5
6. Explain major theories and processes of language acquisition and second language acquisition and their relationship to language development. InTASC 1,2; TESOL P-12 Standard 1
7. Analyze bilingualism and bilingual language development, including how a learner's first language can influence the acquisition and development of an additional language. InTASC 1,2; TESOL P-12 Standards 1,2
8. Reflect on current research and emerging trends in language acquisition to inform professional practice and continuous improvement in multilingual education. InTASC 9,10; TESOL P-12 Standard 5