230184 The History of the English language (S) (SoSe 2023)

This seminar is conceived as an introduction to the history of English and will review the major periods within this field. Because the class will be based on a textbook (see below), the topics dealt with will follow that text. Each period from before the Germanic invasions of England, through the Old English, the Middle English, and the Early Modern English periods as well as the spread of English in the Modern English period puts emphasis on the socio-cultural background involved, contact with other languages, and change in the English language as illustrated in selections from among its many varieties. Sample texts from each of the periods and geographic areas will be used to make the work more concrete.

Literaturangaben

Gramley, S.E. (2011) The History of English. An Introduction. London: Routledge.
or: Gramley, S.E. (2019, 2nd ed.) The History of English. An Introduction. London: Routledge.