WordPlay: A Biography of the English Language

Catalog description

Mysterious ancient runes carved into a sword hilt, fierce Germanic kingdoms, and Viking marauders—the history of our language is rooted in artifacts of breathtaking power and the spirit of warriors who came to the British Isles. Civilized by the French courts, seeking adventure along the Silk Road, and embracing democracy in the Americas, English would eventually reign in the world’s corridors of power. Now, a sophisticated tool in the hands of wordcrafters, English is a language of strength, beauty, and caprice. Continue the adventure with us in ENGL402 WordPlay: A Biography of the English Language where we will explore English from its oral roots right up to its modern-day artistry. (Pre-requisite: ENGL101 or ENGL110)