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79370-01 - Research seminar: Language Learning, Emotion, and Identity (4 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Zeynep Köylü (zeynep.koylu@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This research seminar explores the dynamic relationships among language learning, emotions, and linguistic identity in second language acquisition (SLA). Drawing on different theoretical perspectives, the seminar surveys how learners’ and teachers’ beliefs, emotions, experiences, and identities shape (and are shaped by) language learning and teaching processes. Inspired by recent scholarship emphasizing the “affective turn” in applied linguistics, the seminar approaches emotion not as an isolated individual variable, but as socially, culturally, and discursively constructed reality within different contexts. We will critically engage with key concepts such as language learner beliefs, motivation, anxiety, desire, enjoyment, investment, self-efficacy, imagined identities, agency, linguistic and bi-/multilingual selves, and emotional experiences in language learning as we discuss the complex and reciprocal interplay between beliefs, emotions, and linguistic identity construction. A wide range of methodologies will be analyzed in this seminar as students will be given opportunities to collect and analyze data drawing on both qualitative and quantitative methods of inquiry. |
| Learning objectives | By the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. critically analyze major theories of emotion, identity, and learner beliefs in SLA and applied linguistics, 2. explain how emotions, beliefs, and identities interact dynamically in SLA, 3. evaluate research on affective and identity-related dimensions of SLA, 4. design small-scale research projects addressing beliefs and affective and identity-related issues in language education, and 5. analyze relevant data to understand the role of beliefs and emotions on language identities and L2 development and report findings in a research report. |
| Bibliography | All (core and supplementary) readings will be made available on ADAM. Sample study: Barcelos, A. M. F. (2015). Unveiling the relationship between language learning beliefs, emotions and identities. "Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching", 5(2), 301–325. https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=297378 |
| Weblink | ADAM |
| Admission requirements | This course is open to BA and MA students of English and MSG Sprache und Kommunikation. |
| Course application | Please register for this course in Online Services. There is no separate ADAM registration for this research seminar. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | Online, mandatory |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Thursday | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 17.09.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 24.09.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 01.10.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 08.10.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 15.10.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 22.10.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 29.10.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 05.11.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 12.11.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 19.11.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 26.11.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 03.12.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 10.12.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| Thursday 17.12.2026 | 14.15-16.00 | Kollegienhaus, Seminarraum 106 |
| 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 | • Data analysis assignments (individual) • Research proposal (could be individual or pair-work) |
| 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 |