ENG2156 – History of the English Language
Course description
Course content
The English language has changed completely in the course of a thousand years, due to both historical events and language-internal processes. This course offers an introduction to the rich history of English, paying attention to language changes, language contact, and the development into a modern language. The focus is on Old English (700-1100), Middle English (1100-1500) and Early Modern English (1500-1650), but we also discuss some characteristics of Modern English and English as a world language. Knowledge of the history of the language not only gives you direct access to the past, but also enables you to understand why the modern language is the way it is.
Learning outcome
Upon completion of this course, you will:
- have a fair knowledge of the main lines of development of written English from approximately 700 AD to modern times.
- know the most important changes in the fields of historical phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.
- know the basic structure of Old English, Middle English and Early Modern English grammar; to this end, you will have studied the most central characteristics of the language of the syllabus texts.
- be able to describe and date linguistic changes.
- be able to place the language stages in their historical context.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course assumes a good grasp of grammatical terminology, as well as some some background in phonetics. A good proficiency in written and oral English is needed.?
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with ENG4156 – History of the English Language.
Teaching
Seminar, two hours per week for 14 weeks, 28 hours in total.
Obligatory activities:
Students are required to submit two shorter obligatory assignments within given deadlines. Read more about guidelines for compulsory activities and rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements
It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you must attend a minimum of 8 out of 14 seminars. The requirement is absolute. Attendance at 14 out of 14 seminars is strongly encouraged. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to catch up the work you have missed.
The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accommodation.
All obligatory activities must be approved?in the same semester for you to sit the exam.?Once the course requirements have been fulfilled, they remain valid for the current and the next two semesters that the course is taught.
Examination
The final assessment is based on a 30-minute oral exam.
Language of examination
English
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.