This course will focus on recent studies and theories of the second language reading comprehension process and on applications of these theories to second language reading pedagogy, particularly computer-assisted applications. Relevant theoretical questions include models of the reading process, automaticity, schema theory, the short-circuit hypothesis, the use of glosses, vocabulary acquisition, and problems of evaluation and research design. We will also examine basic computer-assisted language learning (CALL) paradigms and their effectiveness in teaching reading, focussing on learner autonomy, hypertexts and glossing, the use of authentic documents, and data-driven learning. A set of readings, including some from the required text, will form the basis of pre-class discussions (using an on-line forum) and further work in class. Students will also prepare an on-line reading activity and a short presentation on a specific reading comprehension problem. The final project will be to prepare a research proposal on an aspect of L2 reading chosen by the student.
This course may not be repeated for credit.

Sections