Old English

Aims

Aims

In this module you will develop your understanding of the linguistic system of Old English (phonology, morphology and syntax) beyond the introductory levels covered in History of English I and II. This knowledge will be developed and supported through data analysis and close, linguistically informed readings of Old English texts.

By the end of this module, students will:

• have an understanding of some of the major aspects of the linguistic system of Old English (phonology, morphology, and syntax)
• be able to read and analyse Old English in a linguistically informed way

This module will be capped at 20.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed:

• E02C History of English I (LAN00002C)
• E01I History of English II (LAN00001I)

Prohibited combinations: You may not take this module if you have taken Anglo-Saxon Literature (English Department).

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

A minimum of 24 contact hours over two terms, made up of lectures and practicals.

Teaching programme

Teaching materials

• Swanton, M.J. (2005). An Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Exeter: University of Exeter Press.
• Quirk R. and C.I. Wrenn (1994). An Old English Grammar. (Religious Studies; 34). Northern Illinois University Press. Reprint edition. [This is a cheaper edition of the original Quirk and Wrenn red cover grammar, which would also be fine].

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Formative assessment and feedback

• Exercises and quizzes with oral or written feedback as appropriate.
• Weekly reading of Old English texts with oral feedback on developing reading and analytic skills.

Summative assessment and feedback

• Open exam
  • Linguistic analysis of a text passage
  • Weight: 50%
• Closed exam
  • Length: 1.5 hours
  • Weight: 50%

Written feedback on summative assignments will be provided within 3 weeks.

Skills

Transferable skills developed in this module

All modules provide an opportunity to work on general oral/written communication skills (in class and in assessments) and general self management (organising your studies), alongside the specific skills in language or linguistics that the module teaches.

In addition, this module will allow you to particularly develop skills in the application of data analysis skills. In this module you will have the opportunity to analyse primary linguistic data (Old English texts). You will apply your existing linguistic knowledge and skills to solve new problems and tackle new questions.

Follow this link to hear how past students use transferable skills from their degree in their current jobs.