Delivered at:: Department of Foreign Languages

Course type:: Compulsory course

When:: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Instructor

Rastvorova, Julia

Full Syllabus Ask Question

Abstract

The present course offers a systematic examination of the principal linguistic changes that have shaped the English language across its history, with attention to their systemic causes and effects. The course traces the major periods of the English language development, focusing on the most significant transformations in the phonological, morphological, lexical and syntactic subsystems that have produced the contemporary linguistic state. The cultural and historical contexts of England are also examined as they relate to the external history of the language. The curriculum adopts a structured approach to linguistic description: The development of the phonological system across all historical periods is examined first, followed by the evolution of morphological (accidence) and syntactic structures. This progression enables students to trace the internal development of each subsystem from Old English (OE) through Middle English (ME) to Early Modern English (EMnE) and the modern period – Present-day English (PDE). The course incorporates the reading and comprehensive linguistic analysis of representative texts from each period, providing students with practical training in the application of comparative-historical and other analytical methods to the study of linguistic phenomena.

Learning Objectives

Understand the major periods of English language history and the key changes that characterize each period.
Trace the development of the English sound system from OE to the present day, including major phonetic processes and their outcomes.
Trace the development of English morphology (accidence) from the synthetic system of OE to the analytic system of MnE.
Understand the changes in English syntax and the development of modern syntactic structures.
Explain the connection between the history of the English people and the history of the English language.
Read, translate, and analyze texts from OE, ME, and EMnE periods.
Read, translate, and analyze texts from OE, ME, and EMnE periods.
Identify and explain phonetic, morphological, and syntactic phenomena in historical texts.
Master the methods of comprehensive etymological, phonetic, and orthographic analysis of vocabulary from a diachronic perspective, spanning from Proto-Indo-European to Modern English. They will learn to trace lexical evolution by applying key phonetic laws (such as Grimm’s and Verner’s laws, and the Great Vowel Shift) and historical spelling shifts.
Understand the role of external influences (Scandinavian, Norman French, Latin) on the development of English.
Critically evaluate the social and historical factors that have shaped the English language.
Use historical dictionaries and reference works effectively.

Expected Learning Outcomes

To understand the periodization of English language history and the major changes that define each period
To describe the phonetic system of OE and explain the major phonetic changes that occurred in the transition to Middle and MnE
To identify and explain the morphological features of OE nouns, adjectives, pronouns, and verbs
To trace the development of English morphology from the synthetic system of OE to the analytic system of MnE
To explain the major changes in English syntax, including the development of word order, the growth of periphrastic forms, and the influence of French and Latin
To read, translate, and provide a phonetic and graphic analysis of OE, ME, and EMnE texts
To explain the role of external influences (Scandinavian, Norman French, Latin) on the development of English vocabulary and grammar
To use historical dictionaries and reference works effectively
To understand the global spread of English and the development of World Englishes
To apply comparative-historical methods to the analysis of linguistic phenomena

Course Contents

Module 1: From Prehistory to Old English Section 1. Introduction to the History of English
Section 2. The Old English Period: Historical and Cultural Background
Section 3. Old English Phonetics and Phonology
Section 4. Old English Grammar: Morphology
Section 5. Old English Syntax and Lexis
Section 6. OE Lexis and Word Formation
Section 7. Module 1 Test and Re-sit Period
Section 8. The Middle English Period: Historical and Cultural Background
Module 2: From Middle English to the PresentSection 9. ME Morphology
Section 10. ME Syntax and Lexis
Section 11. ME Lexis and Word Formation
Section 12. EMnE Phonetics and Phonology
Section 13. EMnE Morphology
Section 14. EMnE Syntax
Section 15. EMnE Lexis and Word Formation
Section 16. MnE: 18th Century to the Present
Section 17. The Future of English
Section 18. Module 2 Oral Exam and Re-sit Period

Assessment Elements

Seminar Participation
Written Homework Assignments
Module Tests 1
Module 2 Oral Exam
Seminar Participation
Written Homework Assignments
Module Tests 2

Interim Assessment

2026/2027 2nd module
0.175 * Module Tests 1 + 0.3 * Module 2 Oral Exam + 0.105 * Written Homework Assignments + 0.175 * Module Tests 2 + 0.07 * Seminar Participation + 0.105 * Written Homework Assignments + 0.07 * Seminar Participation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

History of English, Culpeper, J., 1997
Максимова, Т. Д. A Look into History of English : учебное пособие / Т. Д. Максимова. — Барнаул : АлтГПУ, 2019. — 118 с. — ISBN 978-5-88210-943-0. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/139201 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.
Максимова, Т. Д. Discovering History of English : учебное пособие / Т. Д. Максимова. — Барнаул : АлтГПУ, 2015. — 141 с. — ISBN 978–5–88210–791–7. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/112300 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

A history of the English language, Baugh, A. C., 2013
A history of the English language, Gelderen van, E., 2014
English as a global language, Crystal, D., 2004
History of English : a resource book for students, McIntyre, D., 2009
The Cambridge history of the English language. Vol.1: The beginnings to 1066, , 2000
The Cambridge history of the English language. Vol.2: 1066 - 1476, , 2001
The Cambridge history of the English language. Vol.3: 1476 - 1776, , 1999
The Cambridge history of the English language. Vol.4: 1776 - 1997, , 1998

Authors

Meniailo Vera Vladimirovna
Ursul Natalia Valerevna

Bachelor’s Programme 'Texts, Languages, and Digital Tools'

The English Language: Past, Present and Future