Information updated until 30/06/2026 CODE 121433 ACADEMIC YEAR 2026/2027 CREDITS 6 cfu anno LINGUE E CULTURE MODERNE 8740 (L-11) - GENOVA 6 cfu anno LINGUE E CULTURE MODERNE 11884 (L-11 R) - GENOVA SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR ANGL-01/C LANGUAGE English TEACHING LOCATION GENOVA SEMESTER 2° Semester OVERVIEW This module introduces students to the history of the English language. AIMS AND CONTENT LEARNING OUTCOMES This module aims to: Offer an overview of the history of the English language from Old English to Present-day English(es); Expose students to a variety of texts illustrating the diachronic and synchronic variation of the language; Develop students' skills in phonological, morphological, syntactic and sociolinguistic analysis. AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES This module aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of the history of the English language from Old English to the present day, including an overview of varieties of contemporary English. The course also aims to develop students’ ability to analyse texts from different historical periods and geographical areas. By the end of the module, students will be able to: distinguish the different stages in the development of the English language, analyse short texts from different historical periods and geographical areas in relation to their phonological and morphosyntactic characteristics, recognise the importance of linguistic variation and change in discussions about language. PREREQUISITES Basic knowledge of English linguistics, in particular phonology and syntax. TEACHING METHODS The module is made up of weekly lectures (3 hours a week over 12 weeks in the second semester). SYLLABUS/CONTENT This module will deal with variation and change in the English language. Topics covered include: - the prehistory of English, - Old English, - Middle English, - early and late Modern English, - World Englishes. RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY Barber, Charles, Joan C. Beal and Philip A. Shaw. 2026 (3rd ed.). The English Language: A Historical Introduction. Cambrdige: Cambridge University Press. TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD CRISTIANO BROCCIAS Ricevimento: Please refer to the lecturer's webpage on the Lingue website. LESSONS LESSONS START Lessons will start on the week of the 15th February 2027. The schedule will be published as soon as it is available. Class schedule The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy EXAMS EXAM DESCRIPTION The exam will be an oral exam. ASSESSMENT METHODS The oral exam will consist of questions on the various stages of the history of English as well as on the illustrative texts discussed in class. FURTHER INFORMATION Attendance is not obligatory but is strongly recommended. The syllabus is the same for both attenders and non-attenders.
