This class will deal with the modal verbs of English and will approach them from three distinct points of view. The first will be the question of defining and identifying them. This will cover both the traditional modal auxiliaries and what are often referred to as the semi-modals, and it will be concerned with their formal features as well as their functionality in the language. The second will be to look at them from the point of the grammatical categories of mood and modality. Here a number of topics will be examined, most particularly the relationship between the modals, the subjunctive and the conditional and the problem of tense, time, and modality. The third perspective will include a look at the changes within the system of modal verbs, both historical and on-going. Each of the three perspectives will be accompanied by reading and exercises.
BaAngBM2 completed!
A literature list will provided. Basic reading will be made available on Stud.IP, as assigned.
Frequency | Weekday | Time | Format / Place | Period | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
weekly | Mi | 8-10 | C01-230 | 10.10.2011-03.02.2012
not on: 12/28/11 / 1/4/12 |
Degree programme/academic programme | Validity | Variant | Subdivision | Status | Semester | LP | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anglistik: British and American Studies / Bachelor | (Enrollment until SoSe 2011) | Kern- und Nebenfach | BaAngPM1 | 2/3 | |||
Anglistik: British and American Studies / Master of Education | (Enrollment until SoSe 2014) | BaAngPM1 | 2/3 | ||||
Anglistik: British and American Studies (GHR) / Master of Education | (Enrollment until SoSe 2014) | BaAngPM1 | 2/3 |
In order to get the full number of credit point, the following is expected:
1. Regular attendance.
2. Doing the assigned reading and exercises.
3. An oral presentation to be expanded into (4):
4. A written treatment of one of the topics suggested.
5. Optionally: a final exam instead of 3 and 4.