Term paper in English linguistics: historical linguistics
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters Spring
- Course code
- ENG265L
- 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
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
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 organized 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 consistently and actively participate in the scheduled teaching. This expectation is also the basis for the preparation towards the exam.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Attendance is obligatory. Students must be present in at least 80% of the seminars.
In order to take the exam, students must also complete and pass one obligatory written task given in connection with the seminars.
Students must submit a draft of their term paper of 1000 words (±10%). Feedback will be given only once.
There will be supervision individually or in groups. Students have the right to supervision in working with the term paper. Supervision is also compulsory and must be completed at least two times. Students must follow guidelines and meet deadlines set by the Department and the course teacher. Students who fail to meet these requirements may not submit their term paper for assessment.
All obligatory requirements must be completed in the same semester.
The compulsory requirements are valid for the teaching semester and the following semester.
Forms of Assessment
The exam is a supervised term paper of 4500 words (±10%). The student chooses the topic of the term paper in agreement with the course instructor. The bibliography and attachments are not included in the word count.
In addition there is an oral exam, in which students are tested on the entire reading list as well as the term paper. The oral exam can adjust the total result by one grade. Both parts of the exam must receive a passing grade in order to get a passing grade in total, and both parts must be completed in the same semester.
Grading Scale
Assessment 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.