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.