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 scholarly approaches to the history of the English language, from the Old to the Modern English period (LO1) 

• Analyse texts from the Old to the Modern English period in relation to various levels of linguistic analysis (LO2) 

• Discuss the significance of key sociohistorical events for the development of English language (LO3) 

• Present information and ideas clearly and coherently in written formats (LO4) 

The module will be delivered through a mix of large group and small group sessions, including, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. 

In addition to the skills formally assessed in this module, you will also practice and develop the ability to: 

• Identify and describe past linguistic features of English;  

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

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

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

• Use a range of employability skills 

• Reflect on and respond to feedback 

This module has two assessments: 

• Coursework 1 (1600 words, 50%, LO1-4) 
• Coursework 2 (1600 words, 50%, LO1-4) 

Coursework 1 focuses on the topics associated with the Old and Middle English periods. Coursework 2 focuses on the Early and Late Middle English periods. 

You are encouraged to receive formative feedback on your written coursework by discussing your plans with the module lecturer(s).  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

All resits will be available in the same format as the original assessment. 

Opportunities for re-assessment are only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session.  

The following syllabus is indicative of the topics that are likely to be covered in the module.  

• 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