GER4015 : A Comparative History of German and English: phonology, morphology, syntax and lexicon.
GER4015 : A Comparative History of German and English: phonology, morphology, syntax and lexicon.
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Carol Fehringer
- Owning School: Modern Languages
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
Students must have an advanced knowledge of German (e.g. be studying Level D German or equivalent)
Aims
To introduce students to the study of historical linguistics, with particular emphasis on etymology, using English and German as the languages of analysis.
Outline Of Syllabus
Comparative analysis of English and German, from Old English/Old High German to the present day. Topics include: phonological change, orthographical development, semantic change, lexical borrowing from other languages, changes in inflectional morphology, analogical change, syntactic change. This course is taught and assessed in English
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
A broad knowledge of the main developments in historical Germanic linguistics. A more detailed knowledge of specific aspects of the history of German and English, particularly phonology and morphology. A more detailed understanding of etymology.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Linguistic analysis: problem solving skills developed by analysing historical data using the analytical tools given in class (e.g. comparison, synthesis, deduction). Team-working skills developed through group work in class.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 67 | 1:00 | 67:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 26 | 1:00 | 26:00 | Present-in-Person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Present-in-Person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Present-in-Person |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 100 | 1:00 | 100:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
In the seminars we will combine lecture-style teaching with group work. As linguistic analysis and problem solving form a large part of this module, students benefit from the workshop approach.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 30 | 60 minute in-class test |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | Mock test |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The problem-solving skills practised in the first part of the course are best assessed by an in-class test. This tests all of the material covered in Weeks 1-4.
For the second part of the course, the longer exam allows students to choose one topic that interests them and examine it in more detail by writing an essay. Doing this under exam conditions allows a level playing field for all students.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GER4015's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- GER4015's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.