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.

Class 31612 is in person. Class 31613 is synchronous via Zoom and available for IU Online students only.