English and Anglo-American Studies

DONATELLA MONTINI

This course will focus on the evolution of the English language, from its Germanic origins through the Middle English, to Modern English (early and late), and the varieties of present day Englishes.

By the end of the course, the student will be familiar with methodological approaches to the study of historical linguistics and English language history. He/she will know the main external and internal factors of linguistic variation in the period conventionally referred to as Late Modern English. He/she will be able to contribute to the issues presented by the lecturer, through in-class interventions or individual and group presentations. Will need to be able to handle all previous activities in English.

Prerequisites for attendance, accessibility and passing the exam are advanced knowledge of written and oral English, basic knowledge of linguistics, and basic knowledge of the history of English culture and literature.

Level of English: C1- C1.plus

History of the English Language (6CFU)

LATE MODERN ENGLISH
The course will provide a general description of linguistic changes, and reasons for changes in the grammar, sounds, and vocabulary of English in XVIII century. Particular attention will be paid to the development and form of epistolary communication.

I. Tieken-Boon van Ostade, An Introduction to Late Modern English, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 2009.

C. McIntosh, The Evolution of English Prose, 1700-1800. Style, Politeness, and Print Culture, Cambridge, C.U.P., 1998, ch.1-2-8.
G.Mazzon, “The Fictionality of Standard English. Construction of Language Norms in 17° and 18° Century Britain”, in Late Modern English Norms and Usage, Textus (2016), pp. 11-32.
L. Mugglestone, ‘Enchaining Syllables and Lashing the Wind: Samuel Johnson, Thomas Sheridan, and the Ascertainment of Spoken English’, ”, in Late Modern English Norms and Usage, Textus (2016), pp. 33-58
R.Hickey, Attitudes and Concerns in Eighteenth-century English”, in  Eighteenth-Century English. Ideology and Change, Raymond Hickey ed., Cambridge, C.U.P., 2010, pp.1-20
“I.Tieken-Boon, “Lowth as an icon of prescriptivism”, in Eighteenth-Century English. Ideology and Change, Raymond Hickey ed., Cambridge, C.U.P., 2010, pp.73-88.
D. Montini, “Language and Letters in Samuel Richardson’s Correspondence”JEMS (Journal of English Modern Studies) 3, “Letter Writing in Early Modern Culture, 1500-1750, edited by Gabriella Del Lungo Camiciotti and Donatella Pallotti, pp.173-198

Lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, collaborative group work, and individual student presentations.

Attendance is not compulsory but is strongly recommended, particularly for students who have completed their previous studies at institutions other than Sapienza University of Rome or who come from different academic backgrounds.

In itinere assessments, mid-term and end-of-course with the help of IT tools and assessment platforms. Individual work will be required on a voluntary basis.
The final examination will be a written test in English with open-ended questions and text analysis.

Short essay. Analysis of an XVIII c. English epistolary text. Open-ended questions

• • Books: I. Tieken-Boon van Ostade, An Introduction to Late Modern English, Edinburgh University Press,
    
    Edinburgh, 2009.


• • Books: C. McIntosh, The
    
    Evolution of English Prose, 1700-1800. Style, Politeness, and Print Culture,
    
    Cambridge, C.U.P., 1998, ch.1-2-8.


• • Books: G.Mazzon, “The Fictionality of Standard English.
    
    Construction of Language Norms in 17° and 18° Century Britain”, in Late Modern English Norms and Usage, Textus (2016), pp. 11-32.


• • Books: L. Mugglestone, ‘Enchaining Syllables and Lashing
    
    the Wind: Samuel Johnson, Thomas Sheridan, and the Ascertainment of Spoken
    
    English’, ”, in Late Modern English Norms
    
    and Usage, Textus (2016), pp. 33-58


• • Books: R.Hickey, Attitudes and Concerns in
    
    Eighteenth-century English”, in  Eighteenth-Century English. Ideology and
    
    Change, Raymond Hickey ed., Cambridge, C.U.P., 2010, pp.1-20


• • Books: “I.Tieken-Boon, “Lowth as an icon of
    
    prescriptivism”, in Eighteenth-Century
    
    English. Ideology and Change, Raymond Hickey ed., Cambridge, C.U.P., 2010,
    
    pp.73-88.


• • Books: D. Montini, “Language and Letters in Samuel
    
    Richardson’s Correspondence” JEMS
    
    (Journal of English Modern Studies) 3, “Letter Writing in Early Modern Culture,
    
    1500-1750, edited by Gabriella Del Lungo Camiciotti and Donatella Pallotti,
    
    pp.173-198