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77903-01 - Research seminar: AI, Corpora, and the Future of English as a Second/Foreign Language (4 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Zeynep Köylü (zeynep.koylu@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This MA research seminar surveys how advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and corpus linguistics are reshaping the study and teaching of English as a second and foreign language (ESL/EFL). The course examines how large-scale learner corpora, natural language processing (NLP), and generative AI technologies (such as ChatGPT and automated writing evaluation systems) influence language learning, assessment, and pedagogical design. We will critically engage with recent research on data-driven learning, AI-assisted feedback, and the evolving roles of teachers and learners in technologically mediated environments. Students will also reflect on ethical, epistemological, and methodological questions arising from the use of AI and big data in applied linguistics research. Through a series of guided discussions and project-based assignments, students will gain hands-on experience with corpus tools and AI-based applications, learning how to use these resources to investigate patterns of learner language and L2 development. The seminar culminates in an independent research project in which students design and implement a small-scale study that integrates AI-based methods and/or corpus analysis to explore emerging questions in second or foreign language acquisition. References: • Crosthwaite, P., & Baisa, V. (2023). Generative AI and the end of corpus-assisted data-driven learning? Not so fast! «Applied Corpus Linguistics», 3, 100066 (Early View). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acorp.2023.100066 • Warschauer, M, & Xu, Y. (2024). Generative AI for language learning: Entering a new era. «Language Learning & Technology», 28(2), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.64152/10125/73569 |
| Learning objectives | By the end of this seminar, students will be able to: 1. Understand and explain key concepts and current developments in corpus linguistics, NLP, and artificial intelligence as they relate to second and foreign language research. 2. Critically evaluate how AI and corpus-based approaches are transforming language learning, teaching, and assessment practices, particularly within English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) contexts. 3. Analyze how data-driven and AI-assisted pedagogies reshape notions of linguistic competence, feedback, authorship, and learner autonomy. 4. Identify and discuss the ethical, epistemological, and methodological implications of using large language models (LLMs), learner corpora, and automated tools in applied linguistics research. 5. Develop practical skills in using corpus and AI-based tools (e.g., concordancers, text analysis software, or LLM interfaces) to investigate learner language and patterns of L2 development. 6. Design, conduct, and report a small-scale research project that integrates AI or corpus-based methods to address a question related to the future of English language learning or use. 7. Synthesize and communicate research findings through written and oral presentations that demonstrate critical reflection, methodological rigor, and awareness of emerging technological paradigms in applied linguistics. |
| 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 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 18.02.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 25.02.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Fasnachtsferien |
| Wednesday 04.03.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 11.03.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 18.03.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 25.03.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 01.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 08.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 15.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 22.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 29.04.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 06.05.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 13.05.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 20.05.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Wednesday 27.05.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Nadelberg 6, Raum 11 |
| Modules |
Modul: English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Modul: Research in English Linguistics (Master's degree subject: English) Module: Language as Process (Master's degree program: Language and Communication) Module: Research and Extension (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 a relevant topic. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Englische Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft |