The module covers the history of English from the point of view of written language, beginning with the earliest records and ending with the present day. We look at what texts looked like in the past and what they look like today. We read about who was literate in the Middle Ages, and we look at the development of the writing system itself, such as the standardisation of spelling.
Contents:
The module addresses the changing forms and functions of English writing, both at the present time and through history. It introduces different ways of analysing and understanding writing, and considers the development of English writing in relation to social, educational, and technological change. The course consists of three components: a) Speech and writing, b) The English writing system, and c) English texts through time.
Exam:
Written paper (5,000 words full text).
Requirements:
Seminars, 75% attendance.
Attendance at seminars is obligatory. Students who are absent from more than 25% of the seminar meetings will not be allowed to sit the exam. The student has to be present for at least 2/3 of the duration of the individual seminar meeting for attendance to be recorded.
Textbooks:
Barton, David. 2007. Literacy: An Introduction to the Ecology of Written Language. 2nd ed. Oxford: Blackwell, chs. 1-8 (pp. 1-130).
Cook, Vivien. 2004. The English Writing System. London: Arnold, excluding chs. 3.3-3.4 & 5 (pp. 68-88 & 121-148).
