ENGL 664 - English as a World Language

ENGL 664 Discussion Board Forums (4)

Each student will write 4 Discussion Board Forum threads of approximately 300–400 words each, which must show evidence of comprehension of the materials in the text readings through argument. Posts (with the exception of Discussion Board Forum 1) must refer specifically through paraphrase, summary, or quotation, to content from the readings and must formulate responses to or analyses of these statements or arguments. Mere agreement or disagreement is not sufficient. Arguments must be presented in answer to the questions posed. Two 150–250-word replies to 2 classmates’ threads are due the following module/week, with the exception of Discussion Board Forum 1 in which the thread and replies are due in the same module/week.

ENGL 664 Research Paper I: English Language History and Conquest Project

Based on required reading and additional library research, the student will develop a research paper that presents prevailing scholarship on the origins, development, and “weaponizing” of the English language to the global post-colonial era. The English Language History and Conquest project is divided into 2 parts or drafts to be completed over Weeks 4 and 5

Part I

The student drafts a paper that details the origins of the English language, answering the fundamental questions of where it came from and what human activity gave rise to this tongue among others (min. 1,000 words, exclusive of front matter, bibliography, and any appendices).

Part II (Final Version)

The student expands on the intial draft, further exploring the development and spread of English as sword, detailing the ways in which the British wielded their strange tongue, conquering vast expanses and peoples. The Final Version should be a minimum of 2,000 words, exclusive of front matter, bibliography, and appendices.

ENGL 664 Research Paper II: English as a Lingua Franca

Each student will write a course paper on the status of English as a global language and the anticipated evolution of International English(es). The paper must involve two parts or drafts to be completed over Weeks 7 and 8.

Part I:

The student drafts a paper that includes initial research, working bibliography, and development of English as a global and dynamic currency, molded by many forces (min. 1,500 words, exclusive of front matter, bibliography, and any appendices).

Part II: (Final Version)

The student expands on the initial draft, with appropriate citations and bibliography (combines Part I and develops to a min. 3,500 words, exclusive of front matter, bibliography, and any appendices). Note that this Research Paper II should include peer-reviewed scholarly resources from within and beyond the course’s assigned texts.