Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title THE HISTORY OF ENGLISH: VARIATION AND CHANGE
Code ENGL221
Coordinator Dr V Gonzalez-Diaz
English
V.Gonzalez-Diaz@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 30

Aims

The main aims of the module are: to examine some of the most important developments in the history of English; to introduce students to some modern theories of language change and how they apply to the history of English; to introduce students to some basic research tools for the study of the history of English.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) By the end of this module, students will be able to demonstrate: A basic understanding of the main changes that the English language has undergone from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day.

(LO2) An ability to critically evaluate modern published work on different aspects of the history of English.

(LO3) An ability to work with historical corpora and on-line resources on the history of English.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills).

(S2) Working in groups and teams - Negotiation skills.

(S3) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc.).

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation.

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis.

(S6) Working in groups and teams - Group action planning.

(S7) Time and project management - Project management.

(S8) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral.

(S9) Time and project management - Personal organisation.

(S10) Numeracy/computational skills - Problem solving.


Syllabus

 

What is language change? Language families and English. Lexical change (New words). Semantic change (New meanings). Sound change (New sounds and pronunciations). Orthographical change (New spellings). Socio-historical change (I). Socio-historical change (II). Recent Changes (Netspeak).


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - General group session
Description: These sessions provide the theoretical and methodological information necessary to carry out the tasks and projects presented in the small-group sessions
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Small-group sessions
Description: These sessions will combine task-based exercises, presentations and hands-on, computer-based activities
Attendance Recorded: Yes

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     12

    24

36
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 264
TOTAL HOURS 300

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
24 hours duration, re-sit opportunity, anonymous’ Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 1  24    40       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Presentation  15         
Essay/coursework There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 1    60       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.