The Origins and History of the English Language, From Anglo Saxon to Email

In this course, we will examine the origins and development of the English language. We will begin with the invasion of the Germanic Anglo-Saxon peoples in the 5^th and 6^th centuries and move on to how the blending-in of Norman French in the 11^th century affected English. We’ll also discuss the effect of the distribution of Greek texts in the Renaissance and conclude with an examination of Canadian English—including a look at how the Internet (email and websites) has affected our language.

You may take this course as part of the following program:

What will I learn?

We will examine the following:

• An introduction to the English language
• The essential influencers of English linguistics: the Indo-Europeans, the Celtics, Roman England, and the Anglo Saxons
• The Norman invasion
• Medieval English and Chaucer
• Modern English: the Renaissance, the English Bible, and William Shakespeare
• English language and the Industrial Revolution
• The growth of English through “loan” words
• “Correct” English, slang, and computerese
• Canadian English

How will I learn?

• Lectures
• Discussion (may vary from class to class)
• Papers (applicable only to certificate students)

Who should take this course?

This course is for anyone who is interested in learning more about the history and development of the English language.

How will I be evaluated?

(For certificate students only)

Your instructor will evaluate you based on an essay you will complete at the end of the course. You will receive a grade of “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.”

Textbooks and learning materials

Reading material (if applicable) will be available in class. Some course materials may be available online.