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 has familiarity with
K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics pertaining to etymology, lexicology and semantic and morphological changes;
K_W09 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright
Abilities: the student is able to
K_U01 apply advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics pertaining to etymology, lexicology and semantic and morphological changes;
K_U09 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law
Social competences: the student is ready to
K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources
K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required
Assessment criteria
Obligatory homework 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: