The purpose of this class is to explore some of the changes which have taken place in Modern English over the last three centuries. This entails a brief characterization of the language at around 1700 followed by an exploration of some of the changes already underway at that time which gel in the period we are observing, for instance, the relative pronouns and adverbs. It will also include a number of further developments which may be seen as still in process, e.g. complement clauses and modal auxiliaries or the various sounds shifts currently active. The focus, in other words, will be chiefly on the more systematic aspects of the language, viz. syntax and phonology. However, there will also be room for some pragmatic and lexical aspects such as changes in modes of address and the increase in prepositions and phrasal verbs.
A literature / reading list will be provided.
Frequency | Weekday | Time | Format / Place | Period | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
weekly | Mi | 12-14 | C01-148 | 11.10.2010-04.02.2011 |
Degree programme/academic programme | Validity | Variant | Subdivision | Status | Semester | LP | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anglistik: British and American Studies / Bachelor | (Enrollment until SoSe 2011) | Kern- und Nebenfach | BaAngPM1; BaAngPM3; BaAngPM5 | ||||
Anglistik: British and American Studies / Master of Education | (Enrollment until SoSe 2014) | BaAngPM1; BaAngPM3; BaAngPM5 | |||||
Anglistik: British and American Studies (GHR) / Bachelor | (Enrollment until SoSe 2011) | Kern- und Nebenfach | BaAngPM1; BaAngPM3; BaAngPM5 | ||||
Anglistik: British and American Studies (GHR) / Master of Education | (Enrollment until SoSe 2014) | BaAngPM1; BaAngPM3; BaAngPM5 |
Participants are expected to present in class the results from one of the areas we will be exploring (see commentary). This involves providing the necessary linguistic background as well as whatever determination is possible about the extent of the change in terms of region, register and sociolinguistic range.
In order to get full credit (3 points), the following is expected of all participants:
1. Regular attendance.
2. An oral presentation to be expanded into (3):
3. A written treatment of one of the topics suggested.
4. Alternative to (3): a final exam.