This course is designed to introduce students to the historical development of the English Language. It provides an overview of English from its origins up to the present day, including changes in words and the meanings of words, grammatical behaviour, and pronunciation. We consider the interaction between language variation and change and societal developments, including ideas of standards and purity in language as well as the impact of technology. Students will be instructed in the exploration, analysis, and description of language from a historical perspective.
Learning Outcomes
Both semesters allow students opportunities to work together with others and give students opportunities to develop their research skills. By the end of the module the student should be able to:
show an appreciation of the main stages of the development of English;
analyse and describe the principal characteristics of texts from each of these stages.
show an understanding of the main issues arising from the development of the English language, such as spelling, lexical innovation and so on;
apply this understanding to the current developments in the language arising from these issues.
Assessment
22445-01 : Assignment One - Report : Coursework (75%)
22445-02 : Assignment Two - Presentation : Presentation (25%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 2500-word essay (75%) and 5 minute presentation (25%)
Reassessment: Failed component only 2500-word essay (75%) 5 minute presentation, which can be submitted as a recording (25%)