Module LANG1441: ENGLISH PAST AND PRESENT

Department: Durham Centre for Academic Development

LANG1441: ENGLISH PAST AND PRESENT

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The aim of this module is to introduce students to the history of the English language and to variation within the language in the present-day.

Content

• The diachronic development of the English language, from its Germanic origins to the modern day, looking in particular at major changes to grammar and pronunciation in the Old, Middle and early Modern periods.
• Accent and dialect variation in contemporary English, both in Britain and the wider English-speaking world

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of this module students will: i) have an understanding of the origins and development of the English language ii) have gained a knowledge and understanding of current approaches to accent and dialect variation; iii) have familiarity with a number of regional varieties of English

• At the end of the module students will be able to i) be able to identify and describe the major linguistic changes in the history of English ii) be able to identify and describe a number of varieties of contemporary English

• Evaluation and analysis of data and information in a systematic way
• Critical thinking and argumentation
• Independent learning
• Written presentation employing appropriate language and conventions

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module is delivered by lecture and tutorial
• Lectures i) present the basic facts of langudage change and regional variation; ii) discuss the main linguistic events in the history of English iii) describe differing regional varieties within the English-speaking world.
• Tutorials i) allow students to clarify the basic facts if required; ii) provide an environment in which students can learn to analyse language data.
• The assessment enables students to demonstrate i) their skills of analysis and argumentation; ii) their understanding of the major changes affecting the development of English; iii) their ability to analyse data and present a clear and concise argument; iv) their knowledge of regional varieties of English world-wide

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Tutorial exercises.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University