English linguistics: historical linguistics

Undergraduate course

ECTS credits
10
Teaching semesters
Spring
Course code
ENG225L
Number of semesters
1
Teaching language
English
Resources
Schedule

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course provides an introduction to central aspects of the historical development of English. The course may either examine several of the stages in this development, or focus on one specific period. Moreover, the course may cover both language-internal and language-external aspects, and examine features of word and sentence structure, pronunciation, vocabulary and spelling.

In addition to the theoretical literature, the course will normally include the study of primary texts from earlier stages of English.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • has an extended understanding of the English language from a historical perspective
  • has insight into the principles of language change in general and an understanding of changes in English in particular

Skills

The student

  • is able to discuss and analyse English in light of historical developments

General competence

The students

  • have developed a critical and independent approach to central linguistic questions
  • are able to express themselves in correct academic English

ECTS Credits

10

Level of Study

Bachelor

Semester of Instruction

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
No formal requirements, but see "Recommended previous knowledge".
Recommended Previous Knowledge
It is recommended that students have completed the introductory semester, ENG110 [og det nye lektortilpassa fellesemnet], or equivalent.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Due to course overlap, students receive no credits for ENG225L in combination with ENG221, ENG221L (5 ECTS reduction), ENG261, ENG211, ENG251, ENG225, or ENG265. Students cannot receive credits for both ENG225L and ENG265L.
Access to the Course
The course is open to students in the Teacher Training Program with an MA in foreign languages at the University of Bergen.
Teaching and learning methods

Seminars: up to 20 hours (normally 2 hours per week for 10 weeks).

In the case that fewer than five students register for a course, the organised teaching may be adapted to fit the number of students. If this occurs, students will be informed at the start of the semester, and before the registration deadline 1 February/1 September.

Students are expected to be actively present in the course. This expectation is also the basis for the preparation towards the exam.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
There are no compulsory assignments, but the students will be given a written task, and it is recommended that students complete this task.
Forms of Assessment
The exam is a three-hour school exam.
Grading Scale
The exam is marked in the grade scale A-F, where F is a fail.
Assessment Semester
Spring. Assessment also at the beginning of the autumn semester. It is recommended that students take the exam at the end of the teaching semester.
Reading List

The reading list is comprised of general topics in the history of English, as well as primary texts.

The reading list will be available by 1 December for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation
The teaching is evaluated in accordance with the quality control system of the University of Bergen.
Examination Support Material
No aids are permitted in the school exam.
Programme Committee
The Programme Board is responsible for the academic content and structure of the study programme, and for the quality of all the subjects therein.
Course Coordinator
The Programme Board for English.
Course Administrator
The Department of Foreign Languages at the Faculty of Humanities has administrative responsibility for the course and the study programme.

Course description

Contact information

Student advisor: studierettleiar@if.uib.no

Exam administration: eksamen@if.uib.no

Department of Foreign Languages