FRIT-F 603: History of the French Language I

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.

This is an online synchronous course that meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45-5 pm Central / 4:45-6 PM Eastern.

This is a Full Semester course. Participants may register for one Full Semester course OR one course each in Fall I and Fall II.

Related Courses by Institution
FRIT-F 651 Contemporary France on Film (Summer 2021)
FRIT-F 580 Applied French Linguistics (Fall 2021)
FRIT-F 825 21st/17th Century Francophone Theater (Fall 2021)
FRIT-F 561 Studies in French Civilization (Winter/Spring 2022)
FRIT-F 673 Topics in the Teaching and Learning of French (Summer 2022)
FRIT-F 603 History of the French Language I (Fall 2022)
FRIT-F 578 Contrastive Study of French and English (Winter/Spring 2023)
FREN-F 651 Study of French Cinema (Summer II 2023)