English linguistics: historical linguistics
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 15
- Teaching semesters
- Spring
- Course code
- ENG225
- Number of semesters
- 1
- Teaching language
- English
- Resources
- Schedule
- Reading list
Course description
Objectives and Content
In English linguistics at 200-level, students take the same course as either ENG225 (school exam) or ENG265 (term paper).
The course provides an introduction to central aspects of the historical development of English. The course may either examine several of the stages in this development, or focus on one specific period. Moreover, the course may cover both language-internal and language-external aspects, and examine features of word and sentence structure, pronunciation, vocabulary and spelling.
In addition to the theoretical literature, the course will normally include the study of primary texts from earlier stages of English.
Students specializing in linguistics, in addition to ENG225, take ENG267 (term paper in modern linguistics).
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student
- has an extended understanding of the English language from a historical perspective
- has insight into the principles of language change in general and an understanding of changes in English in particular
Skills
The student
- is able to discuss and analyse English in light of historical developments
General competence
The students
- have developed a critical and independent approach to central linguistic questions
- are able to express themselves in correct academic English
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
It is recommended that students have completed the introductory semester as well as ENG110 (or ENG114, ENG115), ENG120 (or ENG107, ENG108/118, ENG109/119), ENG122, and ENG125, or equivalent.
For students with a background other than the Norwegian school system, a level of competence in English corresponding to C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is recommended.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
Access to the Course
The course is open to all students admitted to the University of Bergen.
For exchange students: Applicants have to document English language proficiency to access the course. Students should hold a level of C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR). For valid tests, please see uib.no/exchange.
Teaching and learning methods
Seminars: up to 24 hours (normally 2 hours per week for 12 weeks).
In the case that fewer than five students register for a course, the organized teaching may be adapted to fit the number of students. If this occurs, students will be informed at the start of the semester, and before the registration deadline 1 February/1 September.
Students are expected to be actively present in the course. This expectation is also the basis for the preparation towards the exam.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Forms of Assessment
The exam is a four-hour school exam.
The school exam may be digital.
Grading Scale
Assessment Semester
Reading List
The reading list is comprised of general topics in the history of English, as well as primary texts.
The reading list will be available by 1 December for the spring semester.