This course traces the English language from its Indo-European and Germanic origins to its current world language status. Students will explore contacts with other languages, and the social forces behind those contacts. We will also address the question of whether English constitutes one language or many. Other areas of interest will be the role of language in culture and identity, the function of language as a cognitive technology, and the role of colonialism and neo-colonialism in the history and possible future of English.
As for formal requirements, my policies are simple. Students are expected to attend classes, and to come having read the assigned material. Contributions to class discussions, either live or on the Moodle forum, will be reflected in your grades. Regarding deadlines, only essays handed in on time will receive commentary. Those handed in within the posted grace period (see below) will receive no penalty but also no commentary. After the grace period, no papers will be accepted without prior written arrangements. Reflections, on the other hand, as they are quite short, must be submitted in class by the due date; penalties for lateness will apply (more information on reflections will follow). All student work must be original as specified in the STU Course Calendar entry on plagiarism. Any student found guilty of plagiarism will be lowered slowly into a cage full of hungry badgers.
- Teacher: Rodger Wilkie