Lecture, three hours. Requisite: course 1C or 4C. Exploration of history of Armenian language as reflected in literature created in Armenian throughout written period (5th through 20th centuries). Use of top-down approach beginning with modern state of Armenian language in its two standard versions (Western and Eastern), then retracing of historical development through formation of New Armenian (17th century), Middle Armenian (17th through 12th centuries), and earliest attested form, Grabar, literary version of ancient Armenian (11th through 5th centuries). Discussion of attempts at reconstructing major features of Armenian phonology and morphology in preliterary period. P/NP or letter grading.