122030 VO History of English (2012S)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik

Moodle

Details

max. 150 participants

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Nikolaus Ritt

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Monday 19.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 26.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 16.04. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 23.04. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 30.04. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 07.05. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 14.05. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 21.05. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 04.06. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 11.06. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32
Monday 18.06. 13:00 - 15:00 Hörsaal A UniCampus Zugang Hof 2 2F-EG-32

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this lecture we shall look at the different forms which English has taken over time. We shall develop and practice methods for analysing and interpreting earlier English texts, for reconstructing properties of earlier Englishes, and for describing and explaining the changes that have given Present Day English its shape. Some of the questions raised will be: why is there so little correspondence between English spelling and pronunciation? Why are there hardly any inflectional endings in Modern English? Why are not all verbs regular?

Assessment and permitted materials

Participants will be assessed on the basis of a written final test, online assignments and quizzes.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The objective of this course is (a) to raise our awareness that English, like any natural language, is a historical system that develops, changes, and maintains its properties as it is passed on among generations of speakers, (b) to learn how to approach and deal with early unfamiliar forms of English, and (c) to practice logical reasoning in linguistic reconstruction and the explanation of language change.

Examination topics

The course will combine the classical lecture format with a strong E-Learning component, and independent reading tasks. Reading material will be specified for each subtopic, and handouts, quizzes as well as exercises will be provided online so that students can monitor their own progress in the course of the term.

Reading list

Singh, Ishtla. 2005. The history of English. A student's guide. London: Hodder and Arnold.

Schendl, Herbert. 2001. Historical linguistics. Oxford: University Press.

Additional material will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Singh, Ishtla. 2005. The history of English. A student's guide. London: Hodder and Arnold.