LIN2190

History and Sociolinguistics of English (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Prof Kate Burridge

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2003 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit will survey the history of English (origins, development, diversification, recent convergence, etc; including the origins and development of the key features which distinguish the main varieties of the language), and the relevant basic aspects of theoretical historical linguistics and philology. It will also deal with the main sociolinguistic facts and issues associated with the statuses and functions of the English language as it exists today and of the key varieties of English in the various societies in which they are used.

Assessment: Two short theoretical essays, one sociolinguistic and one historical (1500 words each): 60% + Two short tests (750 words equivalent each): 30% + Class participation: 10%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (2 x seminars) per week

Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in Linguistics