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English 302W-01 |
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The History of the English Language is a writing-centered study of the English language from its origin about 1500 years ago up to the present day. Learning in this class will come from writing, listening, speaking, and watching in addition to the usual reading of textbooks. The main text, Baugh and Cable's A History of the English Language, will be supplemented with several videos from the seriesThe Story of English . Other supplementary material will include classic literary texts representing the early eras, such as Caedmon's hymn for Old English, Chaucer's description of the Wife of Bath and the Gawain-poet's description of the Green Knight for Middle English, one of Shakespeare's sonnets for the Renaissance period, and dictionary definitions written by Dr. Johnson for the age of dictionaries and grammarians (18th century). In the last weeks of the semester we will look at the development of American English, Black English, and Ebonics.
This is the course to take if you wish to know more about how a language, a culture, and a literature influence each other. The historical and geographical approach to language and literature in English 302 will provide useful preparation for the Graduate Record Exam in English. The course can be applied to the English Major or Minor at Willamette in either the Writing or Literature track. The pre-requisite is one Part A Literature Course.
The syllabus includes the course schedule, writing assignments, and grading policy.
This course fulfills the graduation requirement for a writing-centered course. Writing assignments will include
Linked pages found in this web presentation include a map of the branching of various languages from the Indo-European tongue, a map of the Celtic Fringe, and texts and graphics illustrating Old English , Middle English, Renaissance English, 18th Century English, and Black English.
student and faculty generated links that pertain to the class--submit one of your own.
Send comments to abirnbau@willamette.edu
