English Language Major

This course explores the technical details of English grammar. The goal of the course is to help students increase their understanding of the English language and equip them to become more effective speakers and writers.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, key literacies, writing

This course explores current English language usage questions and probes how the American Heritage Usage Panel makes judgements on such questions. Students are introduced to language databases where they can explore their own questions related to language and usage. The goal of the course is to help students make informed decisions about current usage questions, and thereby become more effective communicators. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

General Education: Humanities

General Education Learning Objectives: effective communication, key literacies, writing

This course provides an introduction to linguistic science. We survey essential topics in the study of language in order to provide an overview of the approaches, methods, and aims of linguistics. The course begins by analyzing phonetics (sound analysis), morphology (word structure), and syntax (sentence structure). We then consider influential theories about language that have shaped the field of linguistics. We also explore language change, historical linguistics, and how children and adults learn languages. The course uses examples from English and many non-English languages and cultures in order to investigate these topics. The goal of this course is to provide evidence and analytical methods by which students can critically evaluate their own and other people’s views of language. The course also helps students develop the ability to use qualitative language data to make well-supported scientific arguments. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Linguistics

General Education: Social and Behavioral Sciences

General Education Learning Objectives: key literacies, critical and analytical thinking

This course explores fundamental questions about the English language. What is it? What is it for? How does it work? We consider what the Celts, Vikings, and Normans contributed to English, and also what they took away. We also probe the streamlining of the English language and discuss whether or not this is a cause for alarm. The purpose of this course is to help English language majors deepen their appreciation for the complexity of language and the beauty of English. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Prerequisite: ENG 109

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

This course explores the diverse social and linguistic factors that have shaped how modern English is used. We consider early attempts to standardize English and probe various controversies about the English language such as Black English and the so-called detrimental effects of texting. We compare spoken English and written English, and analyze the profound effects that the digital revolution is having on both forms of the language. Students analyze linguistic and social factors to predict what will happen to the English language in the future. The purpose of this course is to help English language majors to appreciate the ever-changing nature of language and train them to use linguistic techniques and principles to analyze current trends in English language usage. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

This course surveys the history of the English language from its early origins to the fifteenth century. We focus on the development of English in its earliest forms, beginning with a consideration of Proto-Indo-European, the language from which the classical languages are believed to have emerged. We then move on to the Germanic branch of languages and Old English, the Anglo-Saxon literary vernacular that flourished until the eleventh century. Finally, we consider the impact of the Norman conquest and how Old English, French, and Latin interacted to generate the forms of Middle English used by Chaucer in his writings. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

This course surveys the history of English from the fifteenth century to the eighteenth century. We consider how English emerged as an official language and trace changes in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary that occurred during the Great Vowel Shift. We probe the emergence of an English literary vernacular in the works of Shakespeare and the King James Bible, and learn about the rise of lexicography in the 17th and 18th centuries. As well as surveying spoken and written English during this time period, the course also explores social concerns about language use and change; the relationship between pronunciation and spelling; arguments about standard English; and the role of the dictionary in prescribing language usage. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

This course surveys the history of American English. The principal aim of the course is to assist in training English Language Majors by pursuing the study of one linguistic topic in detail. We explore the historical developments and social factors that led to the rise of American dialects, compare differences in British and American pronunciation and usage, and see the emergence of distinctive American voices in literature. We also consider the emergence of linguistics as an academic discipline, survey American English in its present forms, and discuss the future of English and its place in the world. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.

Credits: 3

Bachelor of Arts: Humanities

English Language

Research a subject of your choice related to the English language, and write an essay to present your findings