History of the German Language from Early Beginnings to the Present Day

Code

MLAC2201

School

Modern Languages and Cultures

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module will introduce students to the history of the German language and its relationship to other Germanic languages such as English and Dutch, from the earliest linguistic evidence up to the present day. We will investigate the major sound changes that distinguish German and other Germanic languages from the rest of the Indo-European language family (which includes French, Greek, and many other European languages, as well as Sanskrit). We will then look at the process by which German evolved in comparison to its Germanic neighbours, ultimately emerging as a separate standardized language in the 17th century. We will also look at how the language is developing today, especially obvious in the borrowings from many other languages and in the innovations that have emerged in "computer mediated communication". By the end of the module, you will be able to explain how German developed over time to become the language it is today, what the similarities and differences are between German and the other Germanic languages, and you will also be aware of some current developments.

Target Students

Second-year undergraduate students of German. Also available to Exchange and Subsid with a good knowledge of German.

Classes

• One 1-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
• One 1-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Exam 1 (1-hour-30-minute): 1 x 90 minute exam

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding: 
A1 The grammar, structures, registers and practical functioning of the chosen languages. 
A3 Selected aspects of linguistics and the literature, culture, history and/or society in which the chosen languages are spoken.
 

Teaching and Learning and Assessment:
B1 Undertake close textual analysis of a variety of types of literary and other texts.
B2 Make critical use of primary and secondary source material, both written and audio-visual.
B3 Develop an understanding of complex ideas in their socio-historical context.
B4 Engage in independent study and research.
B5 Engage in critical and analytic reflection on the basis of ideas acquired through B1-4.
B6 Express ideas clearly and effectively in the context of a well-constructed argument.
B7 Engage in exchanges of ideas with others, giving due weight to their opinions.
B8 Make a practical and effective use of both English and the target languages, informed by the acquisitions of B1-7.

Professional/Practical Skills:
C3 Read the target languages in different registers (and recognise the differences).
C6 Understand, process and express complex ideas in both English and the target languages.
C7 Work independently with written and spoken source materials in both English and the target languages and evaluate and process the results of research.
C8 Present work in conformity with academic conventions.

Transferable/Key Skills:
D1 Effective communication of information and ideas in appropriate registers of both oral and written English.
D2 Gathering, processing and critically evaluating material from a variety of sources, written, oral or audio-visual.
D3 Definition of problems and construction of strategies for their solution.
D4 Working productively independently.

D5 Working and solving problems productively as part of a team.
D6 Working productively under pressure.
D7 Organising time and work programmes effectively and meeting deadlines.
D9 Ability to reflect on his/her own performance and recognise strengths and weaknesses.
D10 General personal skills.

Conveners

• Dr Bram Mertens