Accessibility statement

History of English I - LAN00002C

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Ellie Rye
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

This module will introduce you to major historical developments in the history of English and to some major ideas about language change.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

In this module you will:

  • Be introduced to major historical developments in the history of English and to some major Ideas about language change

Module learning outcomes

Knowledge outcomes

By the end of this module, students are expected to:

  • be acquainted with the major historical developments in the history of English
  • have some knowledge of important aspects of the older stages of the language, Old, Middle, Early Modern English
  • understand the nature of our evidence for the history of English
  • have explored in detail the historical sources of some features of the modern language

Practical skills

By the end of this module, students are expected to:

  • have developed abilities in the linguistic analysis of historical developments
  • have improved their ability to use evidence to support arguments
  • be able to use various tools to aid their study of older stages of the language

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 15
Essay/coursework
Essay		 N/A 25
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
History of English I		 5 hours 60

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Reassessment: History of English I		 5 hours 100

Module feedback

Feedback according to the University mandated schedule.

Indicative reading

Essential reading:

Culpeper, Jonathan. (2015). History of English (3rd ed.). Routledge [available as an e-book via the library].

Other recommended reading:

You may also want a general History of English textbook for further (structured) reading. There are many, many books of this sort in the library, or either of the following books would be suitable.

Barber, C., Beal, Joan C, & Shaw, Philip A. (2009). The English language: A historical introduction (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press [available as an e-book via the library].

Crystal, David. (2010). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press. This book also covers much of the grammar of Modern English, so if you aren't taking Understanding English Grammar, it may provide some useful background in this area.


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.