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The History of English - LING2590
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Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of Languages and Linguistics
 
 
Course Outline: School of Languages and Linguistic Course Outlines
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: LING1000 or LING1500
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines early English from the first written texts to the development of Standard English. Studies a variety of texts from the Old English & Middle English periods and considers how these differ from Modern English in sounds, sentence formation and vocabulary. Particular attention will be paid to exploring the reasons for the seeming illogicality of Modern English spelling.


Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:
  • Develop an accurate perspective on the history of the English language and on the issues of importance to the people who used it through a review of thirteen centuries of the English Language
  • Engage in some close study of the grammatical forms encountered and learn to sound out the words in Old and Middle English
  • Begin to analyse and explain the spelling conventions of Modern English.

Assessment

  • Assignments 1 and 2 (Translation and detailed work) - 60%
  • Essay (2000 words) - 40%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.