History of the German Language

Catalog description

Development of German from its earliest stages, including historical and cultural aspects. GER 430 History of the German Language (3) This course provides an overview of the history of the German language from its origins to the present. Historical changes and dialectal variation in phonology (sound system), morphology (word structure), syntax (sentence structure), lexicon (vocabulary), and semantics (word meaning) will be examined. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of cultural and historical changes on the development of German, including its standardization. Students will be evaluated on the basis of homework, classroom participation, tests, and an in-class presentation with a written abstract. No prior knowledge of linguistics is required. The class is conducted in German.