The course exposes students to the critical issues concerning second language learning. It examines current theories of second language learning. Prominent pedagogical and psycholinguistic theories like Operant Conditioning theory and Developmental Stage theory and their implications for SLL will be reviewed. Competing theories of SLL will be evaluated in the light of recent research findings. These include Social Interaction theory, the Rational Frame theory, and the Emergentist theory of second language learning. Socio-cultural, biological, cognitive, and personality factors influencing SLL will be investigated. Emphasis will be on how these theories shape pedagogical practices in ESL classroom.