ENG 302 HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
English has undergone dramatic and exciting alterations throughout its life. This course examines the changes in sounds, grammar, meaning and vocabulary of English from its Indo-European roots and original appearance in the Old English period to the modern differences between British and American English, as well as how English is used around the world and its now global status. To understand these changes and why they occur, we will look for explanations in both the structure and usage of the language and in the social history of its speakers. Changes will be illustrated through textual analysis of language change between 450 AD to the 21st century, study of social and regional dialects in America, and discussion of language standards.
Prerequisite
Sophomore standing, but first year students may enroll with consent of instructor.
Offered
Offered fall of odd years.