ENG 123 History of the English Language
This course draws upon archaeology, literature, linguistics and social
history in order to familiarize you with the development of the English
language. We will examine texts written in Old, Middle, and Early Modern
English, placing them in their cultural contexts to explore how
environment shapes language and language shapes environment. In this class
we will consider the political and social aspects of language from
prehistory to the present and engage with primary sources in their
original languages. We will discuss current political and social issues
like Ebonics, pidgins, and English-only "nativism" movements. Students
will present a final project that address current, language-related
debates such as English as a global language, the impact language has upon
power structures or how language and cultural authority are linked. This
course is offered in the second half, spring semester.
Credits: 1
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