Syllabus, valid from 2019-09-02
Syllabus, valid from 2019-09-02
Title
The History of the English Language
Swedish title
The History of the English Language
Course code
EN237L
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2019-06-20
Syllabus valid from
2019-09-02
Level
Basic level
Entry requirements
Basic eligibility for university studies and the higher education course English I, 30 credits (en101E/A).
Main field
No main field.
Progression level
G1F
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course can normally be included as a part of a general degree at undergraduate level.
Course objectives
This course aims to provide an overview of the development of the English language in terms of its syntax, morphology and pronunciation, with reference to both history and to canonical literature.
Course contents
Part history, part human geography and part linguistic analysis, the course explores and explains the development of the English language. Starting in the fifth century with the migration of Germanic tribes to Britain, the course will take a largely chronological approach to the study of the English language, combining linguistic, literary, and historical perspectives, finishing in the seventeenth century.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, the student will be able to
1. recognise, describe and account for changes in the development of the English language in the British Isles.
2. identify linguistic and textual features in works of literature in order to establish the historical and sociocultural context of the text.
3. analyse texts for evidence of syntactic, morphological, semantic and phonological change.
4. write and present concise, informed and informative texts relating to the Learning Outcomes 1-3 outlined above.
Learning activities
The learning activities will include workshops, self-study, exercises evaluating relevant online material (both primary and secondary), and short oral presentations.
Assessment
Assessment will be in the form of a portfolio. (7.5 credits.). This portfolio will contain both written and oral components.
Course literature and other study material
Ishtla Singh, The History of English: A Student’s Guide. London: Hodder Arnold, 2005
Additional material in the form of scholarly articles and podcasts available online.
Course evaluation
The course is concluded with an individual course evaluation focusing on the goals of the course. The evaluations are summarized and made available to the students at the completion of the course.
Interim rules
In a case when a course is no longer given, or the contents have been changed essentially, the student has the right to two opportunities during a one year period to be examined according to the course plan which was valid at the time of registration. The exam opportunities are set by the department and it is the student’s responsibility to contact the department to find out how and when re-examination will take place.