Seminar paper from the year 2005 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 86% (High Distinction), Monash University Melbourne (School of Linguistics), course: Second Language Acquisition, language: English, abstract: Why do people learn second languages? Why do for example Australians study Japanese or Korean people study French? The answers to these questions are important, according to Rebecca Oxford (1994), because 'motivation is considered by many [researchers] to be one of the main determining factors in success in developing a second or foreign language' (p.12). Gardner even claims L2 motivation to be the 'primary factor' in L2 learning in his socio-educational model (1994, p.361). Therefore, an investigation of the components of motivation and the influence of motivation on L2 learning seems quite reasonable. This essay will focus on the concept of motivation in second language learning. Initially, the definition of the term motivation shall be discussed and this will be followed by an identification of the key terms. Then the attention shall be drawn to research results concerning the importance of motivation as influencing second language learning. The essay will discuss Gardners quantitative approach and a recent research of Ushioda shall be taken into account that seeks to provide an alternative qualtitative approach. This approach focuses on students' beliefs and thinkings rather than on measurable and observable activity. A final chapter will focus on implications for teaching.

Seminar paper from the year 2005 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 90% (High Distinction-highest), Monash University Melbourne (School of Literature), course: Shakespeare- Interpretations and Transmutations, language: English, abstract: 'Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sun of York' (Richard III, 1.1.1). The famous opening scene of the 'history play' Richard III is known throughout the world and not a few spectators have been fascinated by the character of Richard described by Greenblatt as the 'monster of evil' or the 'virtual devil incarnate' (1997, p.507). In the play itself, Richard is characterized by Margaret as 'elvish-marked, abortive rooting hog' (1.3.227). The play focuses on Richard, who murders his way to the crown. Shakespeare's Edmund in King Lear shows as well a high amount of ruthlessness. Greenblatt, again, states that 'language' and 'social order' are 'merely arbitrary constraints' or 'obstacles' in the way of the 'triumph of his will' (1997, p.2309). He 'seethes' with 'murderous resentment' over the advantages of his brother Edgar, who is a legitimate child (Cohen 1997, p.2309). Whilst generally agreeing on the villainy of both characters, scholarly attention given to them has been generally less convergent over the years. According to Oestreich-Hart (2000), Richard has been described as an intrepid warrior , a comic or satirical Vice , a diabolic Machiavel , a heartless villain of Senecan melodrama , a proficient rhetorican or even a spurned child (p.242). Edmund, the subplot character of King Lear, has been described as a most vile (Utterback 1976, p.203) or most toad-spotted traitor (5.3.137). Due to the fact that both characters show tendencies making them extremely atrocious and unpredictable, the aim of the essay, in contrast, is to explore the idea of Richard and Edward (Folio- version) being psychopaths according to our understanding of the term in our modern world. Psychopaths in literature are quite common and they are extremely fascinating, because they ...look and dress the same way as most businessmen, they may even use the same language. Some of these people are fairly persuasive, they can manipulate, they re very charming, some of them even charismatic. And a lot of people, they like them, they think they re kind of fun to be around, but it takes a long time before you can figure out that something is really amiss here. (R. Hare, Abc Radio National,, July 18, 2004) These features make psychopaths extremely interesting and compelling. Does Shakespeare portray characters who remind of psychopaths as well?

Seminar paper from the year 2005 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 86% (High Distinction), Monash University Melbourne (School of Linguistics), course: Second Language Acquisition, language: English, abstract: Why do people learn second languages? Why do for example Australians study Japanese or Korean people study French? The answers to these questions are important, according to Rebecca Oxford (1994), because 'motivation is considered by many [researchers] to be one of the main determining factors in success in developing a second or foreign language' (p.12). Gardner even claims L2 motivation to be the 'primary factor' in L2 learning in his socio-educational model (1994, p.361). Therefore, an investigation of the components of motivation and the influence of motivation on L2 learning seems quite reasonable. This essay will focus on the concept of motivation in second language learning. Initially, the definition of the term motivation shall be discussed and this will be followed by an identification of the key terms. Then the attention shall be drawn to research results concerning the importance of motivation as influencing second language learning. The essay will discuss Gardners quantitative approach and a recent research of Ushioda shall be taken into account that seeks to provide an alternative qualtitative approach. This approach focuses on students' beliefs and thinkings rather than on measurable and observable activity. A final chapter will focus on implications for teaching.

Seminar paper from the year 2005 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 90% (High Distinction-highest), Monash University Melbourne (School of Literature), course: Shakespeare- Interpretations and Transmutations, language: English, abstract: 'Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sun of York' (Richard III, 1.1.1). The famous opening scene of the 'history play' Richard III is known throughout the world and not a few spectators have been fascinated by the character of Richard described by Greenblatt as the 'monster of evil' or the 'virtual devil incarnate' (1997, p.507). In the play itself, Richard is characterized by Margaret as 'elvish-marked, abortive rooting hog' (1.3.227). The play focuses on Richard, who murders his way to the crown. Shakespeare's Edmund in King Lear shows as well a high amount of ruthlessness. Greenblatt, again, states that 'language' and 'social order' are 'merely arbitrary constraints' or 'obstacles' in the way of the 'triumph of his will' (1997, p.2309). He 'seethes' with 'murderous resentment' over the advantages of his brother Edgar, who is a legitimate child (Cohen 1997, p.2309). Whilst generally agreeing on the villainy of both characters, scholarly attention given to them has been generally less convergent over the years. According to Oestreich-Hart (2000), Richard has been described as an intrepid warrior , a comic or satirical Vice , a diabolic Machiavel , a heartless villain of Senecan melodrama , a proficient rhetorican or even a spurned child (p.242). Edmund, the subplot character of King Lear, has been described as a most vile (Utterback 1976, p.203) or most toad-spotted traitor (5.3.137). Due to the fact that both characters show tendencies making them extremely atrocious and unpredictable, the aim of the essay, in contrast, is to explore the idea of Richard and Edward (Folio- version) being psychopaths according to our understanding of the term in our modern world. Psychopaths in literature are quite common and they are extremely fascinating, because they ...look and dress the same way as most businessmen, they may even use the same language. Some of these people are fairly persuasive, they can manipulate, they re very charming, some of them even charismatic. And a lot of people, they like them, they think they re kind of fun to be around, but it takes a long time before you can figure out that something is really amiss here. (R. Hare, Abc Radio National,, July 18, 2004) These features make psychopaths extremely interesting and compelling. Does Shakespeare portray characters who remind of psychopaths as well?