Sex and Language Acquisition

EN213-APA_References_Guidelines.doc Final Research Paper/Presentation General Information Your final research paper will involve a review of relevant literature (i.e., almost entirely books and journals articles) that attempts to answer a well-chosen, focused research question in about 5-10 pages. You will also share your findings with the class in a formal presentation during the last two weeks of the semester. We'll talk more about the details of the paper and presentation later, but here are the kinds of research questions you should choose: 1. Write a research paper that addresses the following general question: What's the role of _____________ in second language acquisition? Fill in blank in the sentence above with a factor that we have discussed that affects the language acquisition process. Here are a few possibilities (but these are not the only possible choices): L1; gender; type of feedback; socialization; input; output; fossilization; motivation; age; identity; attitudes; aptitude; personality; learning styles; learning strategies. 2. Develop your own focused research question, or 2-3 closely related questions (to be approved by me before you begin). Here are two examples: - Is there really a natural order in language acquisition? If so, is the order the same for L1 and L2 acquisition? Can this order be affected by formal instruction? - Are some languages harder to learn than others? If so, what makes them difficult? Assignment (2): Research Project Proposal Your proposal must include two sections: 1. Explain in a paragraph or two (about one double-spaced page) what your specific topic will be (i.e., purpose), why you've chosen that topic (i.e., justification), and how you expect your research to be useful in helping you and your classmates understand the language acquisition process better (i.e., significance). This should be written in clear, conversational language that shows me you know what you will be researching and why; i.e., explain it to me in simple complete sentences in just one or two short paragraphs. This part should not include citations to any sources. Also, be sure to include an appropriate "working title" for your paper. 2. Attach an annotated bibliography to your proposal (on separate pages) that includes at least 5 possible sources for your paper. Use the library, databases, and the Internet (very very carefully!). When you find a source that seems useful, be sure to copy the entire source, or at least write down all the information you will need for a complete APA reference and to find it again later. At this point, you do not have to read all of the sources, but you do need to read the abstract and skim through to decide if and how you might be able to use the source in your paper. - Include a minimum of 5 sources. Try to include a variety of types of materials, e.g., books, journals, articles, database/online journal articles. (Of course you can include more than 5 sources). - Generally (although there may be exceptions depending on your specific topic), it's better to search for recent sources. So for this assignment, I'd like at least half of your sources to have a publication date of 2000 or later. - First, give a complete APA reference for each source and list them in alphabetical order. (Note: I am more than willing to help you with this during office hours or after class face-to-face, but I will not answer questions about APA by email!). - Then, after each reference, write one or two complete sentences that briefly explain the content of the source and/or how it might be useful for your research. - Include the words "Annotated Bibliography" followed by a colon and a "working title" for your research project centered at the top of the page. - Double-space every line in your annotated bibliography. For an example of what your annotated bibliography should look like, please see the pdf file, titled “APA style format for an annotated bibliography”. Font: Times New Roman / size 12 / black Lines: double-spaced Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm) for all sides Paper: size A4 / white (no colors; no illustrations!) =====