ENG2166 – Middle English, introduction
Course description
Course content
This course gives an introduction to Middle English, a collective term for the language of texts dated c.1100-1500 AD. As there was no standard written language at the time, this period in the history of the English language is characterised by great regional, temporal and even individual variation, in spelling, lexicon and other linguistic features.
The course provides:
- insights into the phonology, morphology and syntax of Middle English
- a survey of Middle English dialects and dialectal diagnostic features
- an overview of the types of written materials that survive from the period
- an introduction to the principles of manuscript editing
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you will
- understand the background for the linguistic situation in England in the period 1100-1500 AD;
- know the linguistic structure and characteristics of Middle English;
- have gained a basic knowledge of Middle English dialects and dialect features;
- be able to localise Middle English texts from their spelling and other linguistic features;
- be familiar with the written record of the Middle English period;
- know the principles of manuscript studies;
- understand the processes at work in the standardisation of English.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
This course requires ENG1100 - English Grammar and English Phonetics and Intonation or similar courses.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with ENG4166 – Middle English, introduction.
- 10 credits overlap with ENG2155 – Aspects of Chaucerian Language and Literature (discontinued).
- 10 credits overlap with ENG4155 – Aspects of Chaucerian Language and Literature (discontinued).
Teaching
The course is taught as a seminar, two hours per week for 14 weeks, 28 hours in total.
Obligatory activities:
- Students are required to submit two qualifying papers of 5 standard pages each at an appointed time. A standard page consists of 2,300 characters. Dates for submission will be announced at the beginning of the course. The essays must be approved by the course teacher for the student to be allowed to sit the final exam.?Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements.?Information about guidelines for obligatory activities.
- It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 8 of 14 seminars. The requirement is absolute.
The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.
If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.
If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accomodations
Fulfilled course requirements are only valid the semester you attend the course.
Examination
The obligatory requirements must be fulfilled in order to qualify for the exam.
There will be a 4-hour written exam at the end of the term.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.