Reading the Past: Texts, Language and Society (ENG347)
This module deals with the study of historical texts. It combines language history with a focus on the written text and on the social and cultural contexts of language change.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
ENG347
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
10
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English
Content
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The students will gain:
- advanced knowledge of the historical study of English
- specific insight into the characteristics of English in selected historical periods and genres
- a general understanding of different research areas and directions in the study of historical English, with in-depth knowledge of one or more specific approaches
- specialized knowledge of major linguistic and sociolinguistic changes in the history of English and an ability to argue for different points of view
- a good understanding of historical text production and literacy practices and how they compare to present-day challenges, with reference to social structure, gender and multilingualism
- practical, hands-on experience of the highly specialized practice of reading and describing historical manuscript texts
Skills
By the end of the course, the students will be able to:
- read and comment on examples of historical English and use available resources critically and independently to overcome challenges
- discuss major linguistic and sociolinguistic changes in the history of English and place them in their social and historical context
- work on problem-solving and analysis as part of a team, using the classroom dynamically to generate ideas and knowledge
- make use of specialized skills of historical language research, including reading and describing selected types of historical handwriting
- pursue an independent research topic dealing with historical texts, under supervision and following relevant norms of research ethics
General competence
By the end of the course, the students will be able to:
- apply their knowledge to advanced tasks and projects
- make use of the terminology and major theoretical concepts of the research field
- find information and apply strategies to deal with unfamiliar periods, language varieties and texts
- discuss challenges and research results within historical English both in specialist and non-specialist contexts
Required prerequisite knowledge
Recommended prerequisites
Exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Written school exam | 1/1 | 4 Hours | Letter grades | To be announced (TBA) |
School Exam
Coursework requirements
- 75% course attendance.
Much of the teaching consists of reading and discussing texts in class and of discussing the details of language change and its social context. These activities are fundamental for understanding the subject and require active participation and interaction in order to develop the students’ own competence. Also, as the course has an empirical and text-based approach, it involves the development of practical skills (including language skills) which are best practiced in a hands-on situation together with a peer group. This is, accordingly, a course that cannot be carried out through reading only.
- One written assignment (approx. 2,000 words, two weeks)
This assignment will allow the students to focus on a particular challenge and produce an independent analysis combining the practical and theoretical aspects of the course.
Course teacher(s)
Course teacher:
Oliver Martin TraxelCourse coordinator:
Merja Riitta StenroosStudy Adviser:
Signe EkenbergMethod of work
Overlapping courses
Course | Reduction (SP) |
---|---|
Literacy from a Production Perspective (MLI100_1) | 5 |
English Writing from Runes to SMS (MLI310_1) | 5 |
English Writing: Function, Form and Change (MLI315_1) | 5 |
Reading the Past: the History of Written English (MLI325_1) | 10 |
History of written English (MLI350_1) | 10 |