Department of French and Italian

F603 provides an introduction to the history of the French language, focusing on ‘internal’ developments while setting these against an ‘external’—historical and social—backdrop within Europe and the Mediterranean area. We will investigate the evolution of the sound system (phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), and vocabulary, placing these developments within contemporary approaches to variation, change, and language contact. In this first half of the 603-604 sequence, we especially cover early development (Popular Latin through Middle French) and phonology/morphology. Diachronic study is complemented by readings from the Old French period. Taught in English. No linguistics background is assumed, but participants should have advanced proficiency in Modern French or consult with the instructor in advance.

FRIT-F 603    #30872         3:00P-4:15P    MW     BH 332             Prof. Barbara Vance