History of English Language

The course aims to illustrate the evolution of the English language over time, as a possible way to explain the nature and functioning of today's English, through an approach that refers to the principles of historical sociolinguistics. Such learning objective is consistent with the general learning objectives of the Study Programme as it helps graduates gain an excellent linguistic and metalinguistic competence. In particular, the introductory lessons of the course aim to recall the fundamental concepts of historical linguistics (language change, the different types of variation, development of a standard language etc), and then broadly describe the features of language change - at the phonological, morphosyntactic and lexical levels - from Old to Late Modern English, the description of the various phenomena being substantiated by evidence of language usage in various periods. Finally, attention is focused on the monographic component of the course, dealing synchronically with a topic or problem that is relevant to the diachronic evolution of English.

Knowledge and understanding: essential lines of the development of the history of the English language from its beginnings to the present time; main changes and developments in terms of spelling, phonology, morphosyntax, and lexis; nature of language change. Applying knowledge and understanding: ability to read, understand and contextualize a variety of English language documents from the Old to the Late Modern times; ability to autonomously deal with 'new' language documents; improved language competence in and increased metalinguistic awareness of the nature and usage of the English language nowadays.