COURSE MATERIALS

History of the English Language. 5^th ed.

Companion to History of the English Language. 5^th ed.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course traces a history of English, beginning before there was an English language and moving through to modern varieties of the language. While the focus of the course will on the historical development of English, the social and political ramifications of the prominence of the language will also be discussed. Further, students will acquire an exposure to language analysis and an understanding of dialects as a historical product.

PREREQUISITES

To enroll in ENGL 405, students must have upper-division standing, at least 60 hours of credit toward a degree, and 6 hours sophomore English credit.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is required. If you miss more than 10% of the class meetings, your final grade will be lowered by one letter grade. Further, much of the material appearing on the tests will come directly from lectures, and is not covered in the textbook. Each student bears the responsibility of getting any assignments he or she may miss as a result of any absence. Make-up tests will be given only when the student submits written, official documentation that provides a reasonable and important excuse for missing the test--and only if I approve the matter. These make-up tests must be taken within one week of the original test date, or the test grade will be recorded as a zero. Also, remember that failure to attend class does not constitute a withdrawal.

GRADING

This course uses an exact ten-point grading scale. There will be absolutely no extra-credit work available.

• Test 1 - 30%
• Test 2 - 30%
• Paper 1 - 20%
• Paper 2 - 20%

EXPECTATIONS

Students are expected to keep up with the readings, which denotes having read the material scheduled for discussion at each class meeting. Simply follow the schedule to keep current, unless/until you are informed of a change. Further, students should have completed all the exercises in the Companion as preparation for class on the days scheduled for that book.

Examinations will test students' mastery of and familiarity with their readings and understanding of the classroom lectures' content. These tests will have various components. A student's writing ability does contribute to the evaluation of the answer.

Two type-written papers are also required. They must be formatted in MLA style (see MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5^th ed.). The length of the second essay should be between 1600 -2200 words (i.e., double-spaced in a standard-sized 12 point font--use Times New Roman, not some "fancy" font--and with standard one-inch margins, about 5-7 pages). The papers must be completed on time and turned in on the dates they are due. If you know that you will be unable to attend class, be sure to put your essay in my hands before the class period begins. A late essay will be scored one letter grade lower for every class period it is late, and it must be turned in no more than three class meetings after the due date. After the third class, I will record the essay grade as a zero. Topics will be assigned separately and at a later date.

On the topic of writing, let me urge you to note the following University of Louisiana at Lafayette policy: "The University considers both cheating and plagiarism serious offenses. The minimum penalty for a student guilty of either dishonest act is a grade of zero for the assignment in question. The maximum penalty is dismissal from the University." You may find this statement in the current Student Bulletin (448), the Student Handbook (32), or online. I will pursue severe punishment of plagiarism.

If you have a cellular telephone or a beeper, turn it off before my class. Do not disturb your classmates by disrupting class with these electronic items. If you feel you must communicate with the outside world, you should unobtrusively leave for the day.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION POLICY

If you have a disability or special needs, please provide me with the proper documentation from Services for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible. Accommodations for qualified students will be gladly provided, but overall requirements and expectations will remain the same.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES

A map of this floor is posted near the elevator marking the evacuation route and the Designated Rescue Area. This is an area where emergency service personnel will go first to look for individuals who need assistance in exiting the building. Students who might need assistance should identify themselves to the teaching faculty.

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Last modified: July 2, 2003