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 (500 words)
N/A
15
Essay/coursework Essay (750 words)
N/A
25
Online Exam History of English I
N/A
60
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Online Exam Reassessment: History of English I
N/A
100
Module feedback
Feedback according to the University mandated schedule.
Indicative reading
Culpeper, Jonathan. (2005). History of English, 2nd edition. Routledge.
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 (not too expensive) books would be suitable.
Barber, Joan C. Beal, & Philip A. Shaw. (2009). The English Language: A Historical Introduction 2nd edition (Cambridge Approaches to Linguistics). Cambridge: CUP.
Crystal, David. (2003). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language. Cambridge: CUP. -- 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 as well.