ENGLISH 4513/4593—History of the English Language
Summer 2015 in London
Molly Martin
Department of English and Foreign Language
McNeese State University
Box 92599
Lake Charles, LA 70609
Office: (337) 475-5319
mamartin@mcneese.edu
Course Description
 Midwestern State University Catalogue: The development of the sounds, forms, and structure of
Enlgish and the implications of modern language problems.
 Full Description: This course will introduce students to the linguistic and social development of the
English language from its Indo-European roots to its various forms today. It will trace specific changes
in the language—apparent in its sounds, grammar, meaning, and written forms—alongside an
exploration of the social and historical forces that effect that change. We will look closely at all phases of
the language by looking at original documents, in hardcopy and virtual forms. Students will learn
specifically how and why the Englishes of Beowulf, Chaucer, the U.S. Constitution, rap music, and many
points between and around theses differ. Students will discuss the historical, political, and social causes
and effects of dialectical variety in English in London and around the world. We will talk about the
effects of technologies such as the printing press and the internet on the language, as well. Students will
leave the course with a deep knowledge of English yesterday, today, and even tomorrow.
Course Objectives
 a knowledge of the development of the English language from Proto-Indo-European to the present
 an ability to analyze the semantic, phonological, orthographical, syntactical, and morphological changes
in the language
 an ability to discuss historical, geographical, social, and political effects on language development
Texts
 Lynda Mugglestone, ed., The Oxford History of English, Updated Edition (Oxford UP, 2012).
 Online Course Materials
Course Requirements
 Participation and Preparedness: Students should come to each class with all required materials
and should have read or completed any assigned items. Students are expected to participate in course
discussions and in-class activities.
 Linguistic Exercises: Over the course of the semester, students will complete a number of linguistic
exercises that assess the acquisition of key concepts in the development of the language. These will be
done both in and outside the classroom. Individual exercise grades will be averaged to form one
component of the course grade.
 Exam: The final will be comprehensive, covering the whole semester. It will test your understanding of
the material from course readings, lectures, discussions, activities, and visits and ability to apply your
knowledge of the material. It may be composed of several different question formats (short answer,
essay, etc.).
 Research Paper: Each student will complete a 20–25 page thesis-based research paper about some
aspect or issue in the development of the English language upon return from London. The specific
paper topic is open, but should be chosen in consultation with the instructor. The paper should
evidence thorough research.
Evaluation
 Participation and Preparedness: 5%
 Linguistic Exercises: 20%
 Exam: 25%
 Research Paper: 50%
[A=90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; D=60-69; F=0-59]
Policies
 Attendance: On-time attendance is required and expected for course meetings, both in the classroom
and in the field. Students will lose half a letter grade any missed class. Excessive tardiness (more than
ten minutes late for a lecture session) will be considered non-attendance. When visiting, tardiness can
prevent access.
 Late Work: Assignments should be completed and submitted on time. Late work will receive a penalty
of half a letter grade per day.
 Academic Integrity: Cheating of any sort (plagiarism, inadmissible help/group work, inadmissible
use of electronic devices, submitting another’s work as your own, etc.) is unacceptable and will result in
failure for the assignment at a minimum and could result in failure for the course and further
disciplinary measures at your home institution.
 Respectful Behavior: You are expected to be respectful towards me and all other students at all
times. This involves being quiet when others are speaking and respecting others’ ideas. All cell phones,
iPods, and the like should be turned off and stored for the entire class period.
 Diversity: No type of harassment or discrimination will be tolerated. Please bring any issues to my
attention.
Course Schedule (subject to change as visits and guest lecturers are arranged)
Date
Reading*
Mon, July 6
Morning
Afternoon
Lecture/Discussion: Intro to Linguistics
Lecture/Discussion: Intro to Linguistics
Tues, July 7
ch. 1
Lecture/Discussion: Indo-European
Visit: British Museum
Wed, July 8
ch. 2
Lecture/Discussion: Old English
Lecture/Discussion: Old English
Lecture/Discussion: Old English
Visit: British Library
Thurs, July 9
Mon, July 13
ch. 3
Visit: Hastings
Visit: Hastings
Tues, July 14
ch. 4
Lecture/Discussion: Middle English
Visit: Tower of London
Wed, July15
ch. 5
Lecture/Discussion: Middle English, Early
Modern English
Visit: Walking Tour (Chancery Lane/Inns of Court/Caxton
Sights) and Westminster Abbey
Thurs, July 16
NO CLASS—MINI-BREAK
Mon, July 20
Tues, July 21
ch. 6, 7, 8
Lecture/Discussion: Early Modern English
Visit: Globe
Wed, July22
ch. 9
Visit: Museum of London
Lecture/Discussion: Early Modern English
Thurs, July 23
ch. 10, 11
Visit: Dr. Johnson’s House
Lecture/Discussion: Late Modern English
Mon, July 27
ch. 12, 13
Lecture/Discussion: Present Day English
Visit: East India Dock
Tues, July 28
American
English
Article
ch. 14
Lecture/Discussion: American English
Lecture/Discussion: UCL Survey of English Usage
Lecture/Discussion: The Future of English
Research Preparation
Exam Review
Wed, July29
Thurs, July 30
Exam
*Unless otherwise noted, readings are from Mugglestone. All Readings should be completed prior to that class period, at the latest. It will behoove
students to read the full text in advance of the course.