Syllabus for ENG-205
HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
History of the English Language encompasses an overview of the derivation, alterations, influences, and significance of the English language throughout the world. The course traces the English language from its roots through its earliest written words up until the present day. While completing the work of the course, students will gain an understanding of the chronology of changes that have affected the English language. They will explore fundamental changes in the English language regarding morphology, phonology, syntax, semantics, and vocabulary. Additionally, students will examine changes in the grammar and sounds of Old and Middle English throughout the centuries. Students will also analyze social, cultural, and historical forces influencing the English language.
After completing this course, you should be able to:
CO1 Distinguish between the linguistic changes that English has undergone from Old English to the present.
CO2 Explain the linguistic concepts necessary for understanding how English has changed.
CO3 Explain the cultural events that accompanied the changes in English.
CO4 Differentiate between the functions of English in the real world of communicating, exploring speaking, writing, and using language as a social, political, literary, and economic instrument.
CO5 Analyze the linguistic effects of social, political, and literary events.
CO6 Evaluate the sociolinguistic effects of changes in the English language throughout the centuries.
You will need the following materials to complete your coursework. Some course materials may be free, open source, or available from other providers. You can access free or open-source materials by clicking the links provided below or in the module details documents. To purchase course materials, please visit the University's textbook supplier.
ISBN-13: 978-0205229390
History of the English Language is a three-credit, online course consisting of six modules, twelve discussion forums, five written assignments, and a final exam. Modules include an overview, topics, learning objectives, study materials, and activities. Module titles are listed below.
For your formal work in the course, you are required to participate in online discussion forums, complete written assignments, and take a proctored final examination. See below for details.
Consult the Course Calendar for due dates.
One or more of your course activities may utilize a tool designed to promote original work and evaluate your submissions for plagiarism. More information about this tool is available in this document.
In addition to posting a discussion thread in the Introductions Forum, you are required to participate in twelve additional graded online discussions. These class discussions, like the written assignments, are an opportunity to share your insights and understanding of the history of the English language.
Communication with the mentor and among fellow students is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online discussions involves two distinct activities: an initial response to a discussion question and at least two subsequent comments on classmates’ responses. Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate, the reading, or your mentor, state and support your agreement or disagreement. You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation. Responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, professional, and respectful.
For posting guidelines and help with discussion forums, please see the Student Handbook located within the General Information page of the course website.
You are required to complete five written assignments. The written assignments are on a variety of topics associated with the course modules. A complete list of the formatting guidelines is provided in the description of Written Assignment 1.
In each written assignment, you are required to use a minimum of two academic sources to support your argument. Suggestions of helpful sources are provided for you in the modules.
Before you submit your first assignment to Moodle, you are required to submit your assignment to SmartThinking for an opportunity to have your writing style reviewed and suggestions made for improvement. Make sure to submit your paper to SmartThinking at least two days before you plan to submit it to Moodle, as you will need time to receive feedback, possibly discuss with your mentor, and implement any necessary changes to your work. When you do submit your paper to Moodle, include the feedback form that you received from SmartThinking.
In the Essay Center submission form, provide only the course code in the field labeled “Professor’s Name.” For example, you would write: 2016SEP ENG-205-OL009. You can find the course code in the top left of the course page in Moodle, directly under the tabs.
For Written Assignment 1, submitting your assignment to SmartThinking is required. For subsequent assignments, it is optional. However, the mentor may suggest or require that you continue to submit your assignments to SmartThinking for the remainder of the semester.
For a list of key concepts that will appear on your final exam, refer to the study guide available in the Examinations section of the course website.
The final exam is closed book and three hours long. It consists of three substantive essay questions related to the objectives of this course.
You are required to use the University's Online Proctor Service (OPS) for this exam. Please refer to the Examinations and Proctors section of the Online Student Handbook (see General Information area of the course website) for further information about scheduling and taking online exams and for all exam policies and procedures. You are strongly advised to schedule your exam within the first week of the semester.
You are on your honor not to cheat during the exam. Cheating means:
If there is evidence that you have cheated or plagiarized in your exam, the exam will be declared invalid, and you will fail the course.
Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:
All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for numerical grades are as follows:
A | = | 93–100 | C+ | = | 78–79 | |
A– | = | 90–92 | C | = | 73–77 | |
B+ | = | 88–89 | C– | = | 70–72 | |
B | = | 83–87 | D | = | 60–69 | |
B– | = | 80–82 | F | = | Below 60 |
To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of C or better (for an area of study course) or D or better (for a course not in your area of study), based on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, discussion postings).
To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:
Consider the following study tips for success:
To ensure success in all your academic endeavors and coursework at Thomas Edison State University, familiarize yourself with all administrative and academic policies including those related to academic integrity, course late submissions, course extensions, and grading policies.
For more, see:
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