CAROLIN
ESSER
History of the English Language (2007 - )
Module Leader: This module begins our introduction to
the context of language study in the first year of the BAs English and English
Literature and Language. The students are gradually introduced to the concept
of language change, the most relevant features of the language in various
periods from Old English to the first half of the twentieth century and the
social and historical contexts which influenced the development of the English
Language. The module combines theoretical debate with practical work.
Middle English Literature: Texts in Context (2007 -)
Module Leader: Taught in the second year of
undergraduate study, this module is designed to give the student a more
detailed understanding of Middle English than the brief introduction in the
HEL allowed. This is combined with an introduction to the cultural and social
context in which our texts were created. The module texts vary, including, for
example, a selection of letters, Sir Orfeo (taught underneath the round
table at the Great Hall), Pearl, the Land of Cockayne, a drama
workshop, or Margery Kempe. Later on in the term we take the students on a
class trip to Canterbury - as a final roundup for this module and a preamble
to the module on the Canterbury Tales in the following term.
Old English Language and Anglo-Saxon Culture (2007 - )
Module Leader: Set around a selection of Old English
texts, this third year module focuses on an understanding of Old English as a
language. At the end of the term, the student have acquired basic translation
skills in Old English prose as well as poetry. Parallel to this work with the
language, we introduce the cultural and historical context according to
selected themes which are also discussed in the module texts. Excursions and
screenings of relevant films complement the module.
Language and Society (2007 - )
Module Leader: This module continues where the
History of the English Language module concluded: English in the twentieth and
twenty-first centuries. Among the topics discussed are 'Standard and Variety,'
'Accent and Dialect,' ' World Englishes,' 'Language and Power,' and more.
While first linguistic concepts and methods are introduced and practised, the
emphasis of this module is on developing an awareness of the issues
surrounding the English language in our society through informed discussion.
The Fundamentals of Modern English (2007 - )
Module Leader: This second year module teaches the
student a scientific approach to language. Basic methodologies concerning
Phonetics and Phonology are taught alongside Morphology, Syntax, Semantics,
Pragmatics, etc. Main component of the module is an individual linguistic
study project designed and executed by the student.
Text Analysis (2008 - )
Module Leader: The third year module on Text Analysis
is currently in preparation and will run for the first time in winter 2008. It
combines a familiarisation with the theories of reading processes with
practical work on four chosen text types, including corporate writing and
electronic writing. The students design their own criteria to judge whether a
text is successful or not and then apply these to real textual examples.
Introduction to English Studies (2007)
Tutor: This first year module helps the students to
develop the necessary skills for English Studies within a small group
environment.
Critical Reading: Poetry (2007 - )
Tutor: This first year introduction to poetry is not
so much designed to dictate the student how to read poetry, but to encourage
personal critical engagement with this fascinating and equally daunting genre.
Speaking of the Devil: From the Bible to Terry Pratchett (2007 - )
Module Leader: This third year module studies the
narrations of the devil in Western Europe. It follows the evolution of the
literary figure from the devil of Job and the Book of Revelation to Pratchett
and Gaiman in Good Omens. Various genres in different periods are
touched upon and introduce different types of devil, such as that of diabology
and that of folklore. Next to Medieval texts such as Genesis B
(in translation) and Medieval drama we will encounter Marlowe’s Doctor
Faustus and Milton’s Paradise Lost. The twentieth century is
represented by two rather differing examples: C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape
Letters and Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, Good Omens. Both of
these draw on established traditions to offer new perspectives – though each
to a rather different end.
Early Medieval Britain (2007)
Tutor: I have lead two seminar groups in this first year module which introduces the earliest phase of English History taught in the History BA.