ENGL 4300-01 (Studies in the English Language)
History and Development of the English Language
Spring Semester 2005
TR 9:30 – 10:45 am
(TLC 1116)
Dr. David W. Newton
Office: TLC 2222
678-839-4877 (voicemail)
dnewton@westga.edu (email)
http://www.westga.edu/~dnewton
<!--[endif]-->
Office Hours:
TR 8:00-9:30 am; 10:30-11:30 am
Tuesday 1:45- 4:00 pm
And by appointment
Undergraduate Catalog Description: A sustained analysis of a particular linguistic
theme, an approach to, or a regional expression of the English language. Regular
offerings in the history of the English language and its development from Anglo-Saxon
to contemporary varieties of world English and in English Grammar will rotate with
other topics. May be repeated for credit as topic varies.
Course Description: This course will explore the historical development of the English
language from its origins as a member of the Indo-European family of languages
through its emergence as one of the most influential languages in the modern era.
Along the way, we will examine the English language at different stages of
development, including Old English, Middle English, Early Modern English, and
contemporary varieties of modern English. We will learn about some of the major
structural changes that have contributed to the development of English and investigate
how the grammar of the English language and the pronunciation and meaning of
English words have changed over time. We will also consider some of the major
social, cultural, and intellectual influences that have contributed to the development of
the English language at different historical moments.
Learning Outcomes: 1) Students will understand the general principles of comparative
linguistics; 2) Students will appreciate the most significant historical causes of change
in the English language; 3) Students will understand the fundamental difference
between the grammar of the English language and its usage and be able to apply such
linguistic and grammatical concepts as phonetics, phonology, morphology, grammatical
relations, syntax and semantics to "real-world" situations; 4) Students will be able to
identify some of the most significant theories and methods that shape the contemporary
study of grammar, including traditional grammar, phrase-structure grammar,
transformational-generative grammar and cognitive grammar; 5) Students will develop
the ability to understand and articulate the concept of dialect or variety in English; 6)
Students will apply the tools of language analysis to "real-world" situations of teaching
students in composition and literature classes; 7) Students will demonstrate in both oral
and written work a discipline-specific critical facility through convincing and well
supported analysis of course-related material; 8) Students will learn to use discipline-
specific computer technologies related to the study of language such as listservs, word
processing, and internet research.
Relationship to Program Goals: 1) This course fulfills one of the departmental
requirements for the completion of the English major; 2) This course is required for
secondary certification in English; 3) Students will develop the analytical and oral
communication skills required to pursue graduate study or careers in teaching, writing,
business and a variety of other fields; 4) Students will be able to define and pursue
independent research agendas; 5) This course contributes to the program goal of
equipping students with a foundation in the history and development of the English
language and the issues surrounding language study in contemporary culture; 6) This
course broadens students' desire and ability to understand, appreciate, and utilize the
English language in its historical contexts.
Required Textbook
Graddol, Leith, and Swann. English: History, Diversity and Change. New York:
Routledge, 1996. Paperback (ISBN: 0415131189).
Course Evaluation
10% Homework and In-Class Assignments
20% Examination I
20% Examination II
20% Examination III
30% Research Project
Grading Scale: Students will be assigned a letter grade for each assignment ranging
from A to F based on the following numerical scale. The numerical grade will be used
when calculating the final average at the end of the semester.
97-100 = A+
94-96 = A
90-93 = A-
87-89 = B+
84-86 = B
80-83 = B-
77-79 = C+
74- 76 = C
70- 73 = C-
67-69 = D+
64-66 = D
60-63 = D-
below 60 = F
Attendance Requirements: Improving your critical thinking, analytical writing, and
presentation skills requires commitment and concentrated effort. Therefore, careful
preparation and active participation are crucial to your success in this course. I expect
you to be present and on time for all class meetings. Readings and other assignments
should be completed in advance of each class. You should come prepared to participate
actively in our class discussions. If you are going to be absent from class, you should let
me know in advance. Late work (essays and homework assignments) will not be
accepted unless you make arrangements with me in advance and you have a legitimate
reason (a serious medical or family emergency) for turning in work after it is due.
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a zero or grade reduction for work not
submitted on time. You will not be able to make up missed in-class assignments and
you will not receive credit for these assignments under any circumstances.
If you find it unavoidable to miss class, be aware of the following guidelines:
1) Four (4) absences are allowed during the semester. Every absence thereafter will
result in a one-third letter grade reduction of your final grade in the course, regardless
of the nature of the absence. I do not make distinctions between excused and unexcused
absences, so you should use your allotted absences wisely. Unplanned or unexpected
occurrences are likely, so be prepared to use absences for these events only; 2) Class
roll will be taken at the beginning of every class. If you arrive late, it is your
responsibility to let me know immediately after class or you will be counted absent. It is
your responsibility to keep up with your absences and tardies; 3) Entering class late and
leaving class before it is over will count as an unexcused absence, unless you have a
legitimate medical excuse for doing so. Reasons related to your work in other classes
are not legitimate excuses for leaving class early or arriving late; 4) Excessive absences
or tardiness from class may result in your administrative withdrawal from this course
with a failing grade
Note: Please turn off all cell phones and pagers before entering class.
Homework and Classroom Assignments (10%): Throughout the course, you will be
expected to complete outside reading and research assignments, homework
assignments, and in-class assignments. Assigned exercises from the course textbook
will comprise most of these assignments; however, I will sometimes supplement these
with other assignments related to the course material. These will not be graded;
however, you will receive point deductions if you do not have these prepared or
complete them when they are due. Since many of these will be done in class, you will
lose points for work you miss when you are absent. I reserve the right to give
unannounced quizzes if it becomes apparent that students are not coming to class with
reading and homework assignments prepared.
Examinations (60%): There will be three major examinations in this class. The date for
each exam is listed on the course syllabus. Any changes to these dates will be announced
in advance in class and posted on the course website. Each exam will draw from the
following: 1) information from the course textbook, including key terms, practice
exercises, and discussion questions; and 2) lectures and other materials provided by the
instructor and presented in class. Late exams will be marked down one letter grade for
each day they are late unless you make arrangements with me in advance and have a
legitimate medical reason for taking the exam after the deadline.
Course Research Project (30%): At its most basic level, this is a course about the
dynamic power and diversity of the spoken and written word. While much of our work
in this course will concentrate on the synchronic analysis of the English language and
its internal structure, you should also leave this course with an understanding of how
the English language shapes (and is shaped by) historical and social forces. Therefore,
you will design a research project on some significant aspect of English language
studies related to your own professional goals and academic interests. I will provide
you with more detailed information about the research project as the course progresses.
Projects turned in late will be marked down one letter grade for each day they are late. I
will be glad to meet with you outside of class to discuss research topics. The central
component of your project will be a 10 page research paper. The research paper is a
formal academic assignment and will be assessed on the basis of structure, content,
grammar, paper format, and documentation of sources.
Technology: You need to be familiar with finding sources online and other aspects of
computer technology for this class. I will assist you if you have questions. Also,
information can be found online at the UWG Technology Guide
(http://www.westga.edu/~techlife).
Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty: UWG defines plagiarism as submitting words
and ideas written or developed by others in electronic (online), print, verbal, or other
sources and claiming them as your own. You should accurately credit your sources in
all your written and presentation assignments. An equally dishonest practice is
fabricating sources or facts, submitting another student’s writing as your own, or
relying on others to write and/or edit your papers excessively. Plagiarism is automatic
grounds for failing this course. Any student caught submitting materials written by
others (in part or whole) as their own work will fail the course automatically and be
referred to the Academic Discipline Council. See
http://www.westga.edu/~engdept/Plagiarism for further information.
Conferences and Outside Assistance: I will be glad to meet with you outside of class
to discuss your progress in this course, research topics, or reading and homework
assignments. If you are having trouble with the material in this course or have questions
and/or concerns you would like to discuss, please set up a time to meet with me. My
office hours are listed above, but I will be glad to meet with you at other times, if we
arrange a mutually convenient time in advance.
NOTE: Please make a xerox copy of all written work you turn in to me, in case it is
misplaced or lost. Save your work on a computer disk! I will not give you credit for
work you claim to turn in but that I do not have in my possession.