History of the English Language

Course Details

Course Number: 4513  Section Number: 201

Spring 2011

Location: Bea Wood Hall

Classroom Number: 210

Days & Times:

MWF 9:00-9:50

Course Attachments

Textbooks

A History of the English Language, 5th ed.  ISBN: 0-13-015166-1

A Companion to Baugh & Cable's History of the Engl
3rd ed. A workbook.
  ISBN: 0-13-096771-8
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Thomas W. Galbraith   
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Course Objectives

     In this course we will examine the nature of the English language by studying its history.  We will look first at its relation to other Indo-European languages and then trace the development of its major features (its sounds, syntax, and vocabulary) from the earliest written records to the present.

 

     To approach English in this way, we will need to understand some of the basic tools and methods of linguistics.  Linguists attempt to study language scientifically, that is, by observing the ways it is used and making logical inferences from those obser­vations.  They do not attempt to understand the nature of language on the basis of preconceptions about what it is or should be.

 

     In the next few weeks I think we'll discover that we've all picked up a few such preconceptions and that they probably aren't doing us much good.  By the end of the term I hope we'll have a better basis for accounting for many supposed "irregularities" of language and a new appreciation for both its inherent flexibility and its underlying order.  I also hope that out of this appre­ciation will come a sense of greater possibilities for using the language and for teaching it as well.


Course Expectations

     Students will be evaluated on the basis of three "mid-term" exams and a comprehensive final.  The final, which will cover the last segment of the course in detail and the rest of the course more generally, will weigh half again as much as each of the midterms in determining final grades.

 


Grading Standards

Students achieving the standard percentages of the available points in the course  (90-100%= A, etc.) will be guaranteed the corresponding letter grade.  I will also attempt to find natural gaps in the grade distribution so that a difference of one or two points won't translate into a difference of a whole letter grade.  I will also consider patterns of  dramatic improvement when  assigning final grades. 


Final Exam5/9/2011  8:00-10:00

Submission Format Policy

Students will write answers in the text booklets provided.  Bluebooks are not required.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

With a legitimate excuse, a missed exam (except the final) may be made up.  Please see me as soon as possible after any missed exam to arrange for a make-up test.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

     Although I reserve the right to drop anyone who simply disappears from class, I believe attendance in this course is largely self-correcting.  Anyone who misses very many class periods is not likely to do well in the course.  If you are absent, please see me as soon as possible to arrange to make up work missed.  If you find yourself impossibly behind, please be sure to withdraw yourself from the course no later than Monday, March 21, the last day to receive a W for the course instead of an F.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.

Calendar AttachmentEnglish 4513-syllabus-20110118-171832.docx