Reading the Past: the History of Written English (MLI325)
This module covers the history of the English language from the beginnings to the present day. It combines the study of language history with a specific focus on the written evidence, and on the social context of language change. We look at what texts were like in the past, who produced and read them, and how changes in language and literacy interact with social and technological change. We also address the question of present-day uses of the past: how much can we know about past languages, and how can we apply and communicate the findings of historical research? At the same time, the course provides a solid, practical introduction to earlier stages of English and addresses the major linguistic developments from Old to Present-Day English.
Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
MLI325
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
15
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
The student will gain knowledge of:
- the traditional periods of the history of the English language and the historical, cultural and technological developments that mark them
- the main linguistic characteristics of Old, Middle, Early Modern and Late Modern English
- the major linguistic and sociolinguistic changes in the history of English, with specific reference to the written evidence
- the linguistic characteristics and historical context of specific texts chosen for study
- text production, major genres and literacy practices in the different periods
Skills:
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- explain the traditional periodization of English, with reference to social, cultural and technological change, and point out the major characteristics of English in the different periods
- translate and comment in detail on the language of selected texts representing Old, Middle and Early Modern English. Comment on the language of an unseen text in an informed way, placing it in the correct historical period
- describe major linguistic and sociolinguistic changes in the history of English and refer to well-known theories and controversies about them
- consider critically the written evidence for our knowledge of the history of English
- pursue a research topic dealing with historical texts
General competence:
By the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- read historical English texts with better fluency and understanding
- understand better the complexities of present-day English language
- introduce a historical awareness into her/his own work (e.g. English teaching)
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Written home assignment and written exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Written home assignment | 1/3 | Letter grades | All | |
Written exam | 2/3 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | None permitted |
Written assignment: 2500 words (+/- 500), not including reference list.In the assessment, English language and academic writing skills will be taken into consideration in addition to the course content.
Coursework requirements
Attendance at seminars is obligatory. Students who are absent from more than 25% of the seminar meetings will not be allowed to take part in the exam. The student has to be present for at least 2/3 of the duration of the individual seminar meeting for attendance to be recorded.
The students are to submit three written assignments during the course, at the dates specified at the start of the semester for each submission. The first two are not graded, but students will receive feedback.
Students who get one or more assignment assessed as not approved at their first attempt, are given one opportunity to hand in a revised assignment.
Course teacher(s)
Course teacher:
Oliver Martin TraxelCourse coordinator:
Merja Riitta StenroosStudy Adviser:
Signe EkenbergMethod of work
Overlapping courses
Course | Reduction (SP) |
---|---|
English Writing from Runes to SMS (MLI310_1) | 5 |
Literacy from a Production Perspective (MLI100_1) | 5 |
English Writing: Function, Form and Change (MLI315_1) | 5 |
History of written English (MLI350_1) | 10 |