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76493-01 - Research seminar: Learning English in the Digital Wild (4 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2025 |
| Course frequency | Once only |
| Lecturers | Zeynep Köylü (zeynep.koylu@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This seminar explores how English is learned beyond the classroom through everyday engagement with digital technologies. Focusing on informal, interest-driven learning in the ‘digital wild’, we examine how platforms such as social media, online gaming, language learning apps (e.g., Duolingo), streaming content, and online communities contribute to second language acquisition of English. Students will critically engage with theories of digital language learning, participatory culture, and self-directed learning, while also reflecting on their own digital language practices. The course includes hands-on analysis of learner experiences, digital artifacts, and ethnographic case studies, culminating in student-led projects that investigate real-world instances of English learning in digital environments. |
| Learning objectives | You will: • identify and critically discuss key theories and concepts related to informal, out-of-class english learning in digital environments. • analyze the roles of digital platforms (e.g., social media, online gaming, language apps) in shaping english language use, exposure, and development. • evaluate research on self-directed and incidental l2 learning in the digital wild. • design and conduct small-scale qualitative or mixed-method studies that investigate digital language learning practices. • collect and analyze data concerning how english develops in the digital wild • synthesize empirical and theoretical insights in a research paper that connects digital contexts to broader issues in sla and language pedagogy. |
| Bibliography | All course readings are accessible on the course platform ADAM. |
| Weblink | ADAM |
| Admission requirements | For students of MA English, SuK, PhD linguistics |
| Course application | Please sign up for this course in services.unibas.ch. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | Online, mandatory |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Wednesday | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 17.09.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 24.09.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 01.10.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 08.10.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 15.10.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 22.10.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 29.10.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 05.11.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 12.11.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 19.11.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 26.11.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 03.12.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 10.12.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Wednesday 17.12.2025 | 10.15-12.00 | Nadelberg 6, Grosser Hörsaal |
| Modules |
Modul: English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Modul: Forschungspraxis und Vertiefung (Master's degree program: Language and Communication) Modul: Research in English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Modul: Sprache als Prozess (Master's degree program: Language and Communication) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Attendance and active participation Data analysis assignment (working in pairs or small groups) Research report (working in pairs or small groups) on SLA in digital contexts. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | no repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Englische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft |