General provisions

The course is included in the Master's Programme in English.

Entry requirements

120 credits, of which at least 90 credits in a language subject including a degree project of at least 15 credits.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course students will be able to

• describe important features of Modern English phonology, lexis, orthography, morphology, and syntax
• describe important linguistic features that characterize Early Modern English compared with Late Modern English
• describe important linguistic features that characterize Late Modern English compared with Present-day English
• discuss features of Modern English in good English, both orally and in writing in correct and fluent English
• apply his/her knowledge of changes in Modern English phonology to the pronunciation of individual words
• compare and evaluate different descriptions of Modern English in secondary sources
• analyse Modern English text phonologically, morphologically, and syntactically
• categorize lexical innovation in Modern English etymologically with the aid of dictionaries
• construct a small empirical study of Modern English phonology, morphology, or syntax using appropriate methodology.

Content

The course introduces students to the prehistory, origins, and early development of the English language, and charts the development of English up to AD c1500. The course focusses on the linguistic characteristics of Early English, with special reference to phonology, vocabulary and orthography, morphology, and syntax. Special attention is paid to Old English prose.

Instruction

Group sessions. Instruction, class discussions, and examinations are in English. All teaching materials are in English.

Assessment

Students are examined in the form of oral presentations, written assignments, and a small-scale empirical study. Grades are fail, pass, or pass with distinction.

Students who fail a regular examination will be offered a make-up examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination.

Students who fail an examination twice have the right to apply to the head of the department for permission to change examiners.

Other directives

If the curriculum or the course literature for a course is changed, students have the right to be examined on the original curriculum and course literature on three occasions during the following three terms. After these three opportunities, the right normally expires.

Transitional provisions

Please contact the student counsellor for transitional regulations in connection with changes in the curriculum.