University of Virginia Library

M. A. COURSE.

Old and Middle English.—In this class the historical and philological
study of the language is pursued, the class beginning with its oldest forms
and tracing the language, by the study of specimens, through its different

periods to the formation of modern English. After a thorough study of the
grammar, selected pieces of Old and Middle English prose and poetry are
read, with a view to acquiring a philological knowledge of the origin and
structure of English. Lectures on the position of English in the Indo-European
family of languages, and on the history of the language, are also
given. These treat in outline the other branches of the Indo-European family
of languages, and in detail the Teutonic branch. Special stress is laid
upon the development of the language during the Old and Middle English
periods, and the infusion of the Romance elements which so greatly affected
its character. The study of Old English (Anglo-Saxon) occupies the first
half-session; that of Middle English, the second half-session. In addition
to what is read in class, assigned parallel reading of Old and Middle English
works is also required. It is well for the student to have studied the
history of English as given in the class of Modern English, or some similar
course, before entering upon the study of the course in Old and Middle English,
although this is not essential, as the two may be studied together. Some
antecedent philological study is, however, necessary. The aim is to lay the
foundation for more advanced studies in English Philology. Three lectures
a week.

Text-Books.—Bright's Anglo-Saxon Reader; Morris and Skeat's Specimens of Early
English, Parts I. and II.; Cook's Sievers's Grammar of Old English; Earle's Anglo-Saxon
Literature. For Reference.—Ten Brink's Early English Literature; Brooke's
History of Early English Literature; Skeat's Principles of English Etymology, First
and Second Series; Henry's Comparative Grammar of English and German.