Place-Names in Context: Language, landscape and history

Code

ENGL4268

School

English

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The module employs the study of place-names to illustrate the various languages - British, Latin, French, Norse and English - that have been spoken in England over the last 2000 years. Students will learn how place-name evidence can be used as a source for the history of English: its interaction with other languages, its regional and dialectal patterns, and its changing vocabulary. They will also undertake a directed self-study project which will assess the value of place-name evidence for some aspect of early medieval English and/ or Viking settlement-history.

Target Students

Students following the MA Viking and Early Medieval English Studies, MA English Studies and the MA Literary Linguistics. Also available to other relevant MAs by agreement with the convenor.

Classes

• One 2-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester Further Activity Details: One 2-hour session, weekly. The module will be taught in the Spring Semester.

Assessment

• 100% Project 1: 4000 word project-essay.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of:

• the development of English place-names
• the relative parts played by Old English and Old Norse in English toponymy
• the relationship between place-name evidence and historical, archaeological and geographical research

Intellectual skills

• the ability to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship
• the ability to acquire substantial quantities of information systematically and process it effectively

Professional Skills

• the ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary study of early medieval and Viking-Age England
• the ability to construct and communicate a sustained analysis of place-name material
• the ability to carry out research, and evaluate and make use of the material so acquired

Transferable skills

• the ability to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
• the ability to develop strategies for drawing sustainable conclusions from incomplete evidence
• the ability to communicate effectively in writing

Conveners

• Dr John Baker
• Professor Jayne Carroll