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.

Facts

Course code

ENG347

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Content

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. We look at what texts were like in the past, who produced and read them, and how changes in language and literacy interact with social and technological change. We also address the question of present-day uses of the past: how much can we know about past languages and cultures, where do we find evidence of the past, and how can we apply and communicate the findings of historical research?

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

The general requirements for admission to the Master’s programme

Recommended prerequisites

The course presupposes a solid command of written and spoken English.

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 % Attendance, Written assignment
  • 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 Traxel

Course coordinator:

Merja Riitta Stenroos

Study Adviser:

Signe Ekenberg

Method of work

Interactive Lectures

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

Open for

English and Literacy Studies - Master's Degree Programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto