Universität Wien

122030 VO History of English (2023S)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Moodle

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 07.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 14.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 21.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 28.03. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 18.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 25.04. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 02.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 09.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 16.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 23.05. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 06.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 13.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03
  • Tuesday 20.06. 15:00 - 16:30 Hörsaal C2 UniCampus Hof 2 2G-K1-03

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?
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.

Assessment and permitted materials

Participants will be assessed on the basis of a written final test. The written test may be complemented by an oral exam in case of apparent irregularities in the submitted exam.
In addition, there will be online quizzes throughout the term. If completed at an average of > 66%, these count as a bonus for the final exam (one grade degree if positive).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Pass grade: 60% at the final test (24 out of 40 points).
Should there be an oral component, one must likewise achieve 60% at it in order to earn a pass grade.

Grading scheme:
'Sehr gut' = 90% (36/40 points)
'Gut' = 80% (32/40 points)
'Befriedigend' = 70% (28/40 points)
'Genügend' = 60% (24/40 points)
'Nicht genügend' = <60% (<24/40 points)

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

Essential reading:
Singh, Ishtla. 2005. The history of English. A student's guide. London: Hodder and Arnold.
(Available at English and American Studies Library & University Main Library: Lehrbuchsammlung)
Additional material will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Association in the course directory

Studium: BA 612, EC 125, EC 126; BEd 046 / 407
Code/Modul: BA05.2, BEd Modul 10
Lehrinhalt: 12-2030

Last modified: Tu 03.10.2023 09:47