Admission requirements
A pass mark for Linguistics 1, 2 and 4 or similar courses.
Description
This course introduces students to the historical description and analysis of the English language. We will discuss fundamental principles and methods of historical linguistics and will apply them to changes that have taken place in the history of English. The types of changes we will examine include sound change, grammatical change and lexical change. We will also refer to language contact and other possible reasons for language change.
Course objectives
Students have insight in the principles and methods of historical linguistics.
Students have basic knowledge of the language changes that have occurred in the history of Engels.
Students can name the reasons for various language changes.
Students can apply the principles and methods of historical linguistics to changes that have taken place in the English language.
Timetable
The timetable will be available by June 1st on the website.
Mode of instruction
One hour lecture and one hour seminar per week.
Course Load
Time spent on attending lectures and seminars: 14 hours
Time for studying the compulsory literature: 50 hours
Time to prepare for the exam and in-term quizzes: 76 hours
Assessment method
Final written examination (70%)
In-term written assignment (30%)
Blackboard
This course is supported by Blackboard.
Reading list
Herbert Schendl (2001). Historical Linguistics. (Oxford Introductions to Language Study.) Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Registration
Students should register through uSis. Exchange students cannot register through uSis, but must see the coordinator of studies and register with her. If you have any questions, please contact the departmental office, tel. 071 5272144 or mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Registration via Studeren à la carte
Registration via Contractonderwijs
Contact
English Language and Culture departmental office, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102C. Tel. 071 5272144; english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.
Coordinator of studies: Ms T.D. Obbens, MA, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103C.