A History of English Words 3301-JF2661
The course for BA students which focuses on the history of English lexis and changes which affected English words. The topics discussed include etymology, word-formation processes, the influence of other languages on the lexicon of English, and the process of semantic change.
The prosaic and poetic texts discussed will represent various periods of English (e.g. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle,The Canterbury Tales, Macbeth, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings). The students are expected to identify words of foreign origin, evaluate the morphology of selected words, and discuss various aspects of semantic evolution.
Topics:
- word-formation processes in the past and today
- morphological analysis
- etymology
- loss of words and its causes
- influence of other languages in the development of English: loanwords, hybrids, rivalry of native and foreign words
- semantics and changes of meaning
- dialectal words in Present Day English
- proper names
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the student will be able to
K_W02 understand key terminology, well established methods and theories of linguistics, literary studies and culture studies within English studies
K_W03 describe methodology and recent developments in English linguistics
K_W04 describe the relation between language, literature, and historical and cultural processes on an advanced level
K_W08 describe language evolution on an advanced level, with special focus on English, and give examples of language change within its various subsystems
Learning outcomes pertaining to knowledge refer mostly to terminology, methodology and historical changes which are connected with lexicon and semantics as well as morphological processes
Abilities: the student will be able to
K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies and culture studies
K_U02 employ the methodology of linguistics within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law
K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in linguistics
K_U07 employ modern technology for the sake of obtaining information and using various communication channels and techniques
Learning outcomes pertaining to abilities refer mostly to tasks connected with tracing lexical, semantic and morphological processes in English and identifying their results ,
Social competences: the student is ready to
K_K05 function effectively in social and cultural interactions, through various forms and media, thanks to the ability to express oneself in a cohesive and lucid manner
K_K06 value cultural heritage and cultural diversity
Learning outcomes pertaining to social competences refer mostly to expression and value concerning cultural heritage present in the language and the tolerance towards foreign influences
Education at language level B2+.
In class discussions students acquire skills of expressing their thoughts in a clear, coherent, logical and precise manner, with the use of language which is correct grammatically, lexically and phonetically.
Assessment criteria
Obligatory homework in the middle of the course and written test at the end of the course.
The student can be absent no more than 3 times.
In the case of failure, the same rules apply.
The method of evaluation may change depending on the epidemic situation. In such a case, the new rules shall be established according to the rules of UW and after the cosultation with attendees.
Bibliography
Ayers, D.M. (1986) English Words from Latin and Greek Elements. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press.
Baugh, A.C. – T. Cable (2002) A History of the English Language. London: Routledge.
Crystal, D. (2008) Think on My Words. Exploring Shakespeare’s Language. Cambridge: CUP.
Grzebieniowski, T. (1962) Słownictwo i słowotwórstwo angielskie. Warszawa: PWN.
Hughes, G. (2000) A History of English Words. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
Kastovsky, D. (2006) “Vocabulary”. [In:] R. Hogg – D. Denison (eds.) A History of the English Language. (Cambridge: CUP), 199-270.
Liberman, A. (2005) Word Origins…and How We Know Them. Oxford: OUP.
Minkova, D. – R. Stockwell (2001) English Words. History and Structure. Cambridge: CUP
Plag, I. (2003) Word-Formation in English. Cambridge: CUP.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: