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The History of English: York's Tale - 40N0135

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  • Department: English and Related Literature
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Beck Sinar
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module is for undergraduate students at the Norwegian Study Centre only.

This module critically explores the nature and causation of language variation and change throughout the history of English, using the sights, sounds and texts of, from and about the modern and historic city of York. This unusual and creative case study will allow us to systematically discover things for ourselves, to create original academic arguments, and to challenge the traditional narratives of the History of English. Throughout the module we will use a truly interdisciplinary approach, drawing on scientific linguistics as well as the traditional humanities and social sciences, which means the module should have broad appeal.

Professional requirements

None

Related modules

This module is for undergraduate students of the Norwegian Study Centre only. It can be taken with the Research extension module in the same topic. 

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24
B Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

  1. To provide you with an overview of the development of English at various stages of its development from Old English to the present day. This overview will be discussed within a framework of ideas about the causation and progress of linguistic change and the origins of sociolinguistic variation.
  2. To develop your abilities in the linguistic analysis of modern and historical texts. You will be required to read and analyse materials from different stages of English for presentation and discussion in seminars.
  3. To equip you with the knowledge and skills to describe linguistic changes and produce critical accounts of the factors involved in these changes.
  4. To explore, and help you learn to read, scholarly literature on language change, the history of English, and sociolinguistic variation.
  5. To allow you to experience and develop key skills of IT, communication and learning how to learn.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module you should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of a few historically central, specific areas of phonology, morphology and syntax in the History of English, and provide examples from texts with a connection to the City of York.
  2. Show understanding of different types of language change and analyse the role of language internal and language external factors in these changes.
  3. Interpret different historical sources as evidence for different stages of the English language and for processes of language change, and understand the issues and problems in doing so.
  4. Read scholarly articles in linguistics and understand the key points of the article.
  5. Relate your own research interests to results in published articles, and write about the connection in readable academic prose.

Module content

This module is primarily about the historical development of the English language, which is usually told as the story of the development and spread of Standard Southern British English. This traditional narrative is challenged throughout the module and retold through the lens of the non-standard northern City of York. You should be prepared to analyse different texts each week, and to make various field trips around York to discover things for yourselves, as well as to read widely in the established academic literature. The module will be assessed via an individual essay of 4000 words on a topic of your choice related to the module.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

In addition to the formative assessment listed above which relates directly to your essay (the summative assessment), you will also be required to complete weekly practical linguistics tasks outside contact hours which will then be discussed during contact hours. These tasks can be completed individually or in small groups, and are designed to provide you with independent and critical research skills in linguistics, which will allow you both to meet the learning outcomes and to demonstrate them within your summative assessment. Feedback will be provided during contact hours in a variety of different forms including verbal and written feedback from the tutor as well as from your peers.

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Feedback on formative work

You will receive detailed written feedback on your formative work within 14 working days of submission. You will also have a one-to-one tutorial which will provide verbal feedback on your work and give you chance to discuss your work and the written feedback further. These tutorials will be scheduled at a convenient time following the return of the formative assessment. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is provided in a pedagogical spirit, and the NSC also offers you help in learning from your feedback.

Feedback on summative assessment

You will receive a mark on the University of York scale along with summarised written feedback on summative assessments within twenty working days of submission. These are usually sent by email. Further written feedback can be requested via the YorkCourse Coordinator or the NSC Director.

Indicative reading

You will be given a detailed reading list at the start of the course, but you might find the following texts useful for background:

History of English

Any general history of English textbook will cover many of the themes which will be explored during the module. Examples include the following (note that many of these are available as e-books via the University of York library and many of them have earlier or later editions than those listed below – all editions are useful):

  • Barber, C. L. (2000) The English Language: a Historical Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University
  • Crystal, D. (2004) The Stories of English. London: Penguin.
  • Gramley, S. (2012) The History of English. London: Routledge.

Language Variation and Change/Sociolinguistics

You might also consider finding out more about sociolinguistics. The following textbooks are a good starting point:

  • Chambers, J.K. (2003). Sociolinguistic Theory [2nd Edition]. Oxford: Blackwell.
  • Mesthrie, R., Swann, J., Deumert, A., & Leap, W. (2009) Introducing sociolinguistics [2nd edition]. Edinburgh University Press.
  • Meyerhoff, M. (2007). Introducing sociolinguistics. Abingdon: Routledge
  • Wardhaugh, R. (2006). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics [5th Edition]. Oxford: Blackwell.

Northern English

The module covers the language, history and culture of northern England, with a particular focus on York. You might therefore find the following texts useful for the social/cultural/historical context:

  • Groom, B, (2022) Northerners: A history from the ice age to the present day. Harper Collins: London
  • Wales, K. (2006). Northern English: A social and cultural history. Cambridge University Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.