126-461 Historical Grammar of German

This subject is taught in German. Formerly available as 126-023. Students who have completed 126-023 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This subject will only be run if there is a minimum of six participants.

37.5 points of second/third-year subjects in German language. European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed 37.5 points of European studies at second/third year, see Prerequisites.

This subject offers an historical explanation for aspects of German grammar. The science of historical linguistics is based on a hypothesis, that all languages in a language family have derived from a common ancestor and, a proven fact, that languages change over time. This subject will deal with both the concept of language change and issues of historical linguistics. Students who complete this subject should have an understanding of the processes that lead to language change; have an understanding of the many 'exceptions' to the grammatical rules of German; have an understanding of the differences that exist between English and German and how these evolved historically; have learnt to consult etymological dictionaries and to interpret the data given; and have gained an appreciation for, and interest in, etymology and historical grammar.

• have acquired skills in research, critical thinking and contextualising information;

• have developed skills in communicating knowledge intelligibly through oral presentations and essays in German.

A 1000 word class paper 30% (due during the semester), and an essay of 3000 words for third year students, 4000 words for fourth year students 70% (due at the end of the semester).