This module traces the development of the English language over a one-thousand-year period, from its original arrival in fifth-century Britain to the emergence of Early Modern English around 1500 and the birth of Late Modern English in the 18th century. Using textual evidence and historical records, we will study how the forms of the language have changed overtime, and will evaluate the impact of external events and political influences on both the internal structure of the language and its social status. 

• Articulate and exemplify scholarly approaches to the history of the English language; 

• Analyse texts from the Old, Middle and Modern English periods in relation to various levels of linguistic analysis; 

• Discuss the significance of key political and social events for the development of English language; 

• Present information and ideas clearly and coherently in written formats. 

The module will be delivered through a mix of large group and small group sessions, including, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.   

On completion of the module a student should be able to:

• Identify and describe past linguistic features of English; 

• Establish interdisciplinary connections, thanks to the examination of the effects of social, political and technological changes on the development of linguistic structures and use; 

• Analyse linguistic data in order to explain a particular lexical or morphosyntactic feature; 

• Pay close attention to detail; 

• Evidence problem-solving skills, gained through the application of linguistic and literary knowledge to decode texts written in previous stages of the language; 

• Engage in critical and flexible thinking, demonstrating the ability to make connections between different types of information; 

• Develop logical arguments that are supported by relevant data and are appropriate for academic formats. 

The module is assessed by coursework (50%) and a take home exam (50%).

• Written coursework (1600 words)
• Take home exam (guidance of 1600 words)

The module will cover many or all of the following topics:

• From Proto-Indo-European to Old English 

• Old English grammar, spelling and phonology 

• Old English texts – an overview 

• Old and Middle English vocabulary 

• Morphosyntactic changes from Old to Middle English 

• The lexical and grammatical structures of Early Modern English 

• The Great Vowel Shift 

• The development of standard English and prescriptivism 

• English beyond the British Isles