ENGL 315-01, The English Language, Spring 2009

Abstract

This course provides a survey of the historical development of English from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present, including a consideration of the concept of language, the Indo-European system, lexicography, and issues of American English. We will spend time discussing sociolinguistic topics such as ―Standard‖ versus non-standard dialects of English and their relationship to power; pidgins and creoles; gender, race, and language; hate speech and taboo words; and English as a first, second, and foreign language. We will also discuss various rules for speaking, writing, and spelling English and how problematic they are. COURSE OBJECTIVES To become familiar with the structure of English To learn the historical origins and development of English To learn about change and variety in English To be able to read brief passages in Old and Middle English To understand concepts in English phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexis To learn to read and evaluate linguistic arguments