Old English: Reflection and Lament
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ENGL2013 | English | 2 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- ENGL2013
- School
- English
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The poetry and prose of Old English often focuses on warfare and heroic action. But alongside this tradition is another that embraces thought and feeling, love and loss, in a sophisticated and moving way. This module explores this tradition, which gives voice to women as well as men. We will study and analyse poems from the Exeter Book 'elegies' such as The Wanderer and The Seafarer, but also passages from Beowulf in the original language, to explore this rich and rewarding genre.
Target Students
Only available to second-year students on SH and JH English programmes, including 2+2 programmes; students participating in exchanges from the School partner institutions; and second or third-year students on the Liberal Arts programme.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: Coursework 1 - Language/textual commentary (1000 words)
- 60% Coursework 2: Coursework 2 - (2000 words) essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
In common with all Level 2 medieval provision, this module aims to provide students with:The opportunity to develop particular expertise in an area of medieval studiesPractice in reading literatures against different contexts, including political, cultural and theoreticalConfidence in developing their own interpretations through attention to the detail of the texts under considerationIn addition, this module aims to provide students with:A survey of the various early medieval texts which provide evidence for reflection and lamentAn introduction to the psychologies, worldviews and stylistic motifs used in early medieval lamentLearning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
Students will learn about:
- A1 the genre of ‘elegy’ in Old English literature and related medieval cultures;
- A2 the cultural and historical background of reflective texts, including the social, heroic, individual and psychological contexts;
- A3 the language associated with reflection and lament in Old English, and the structure of the texts;
- A5 how genre is reinforced and subverted in some texts.
Intellectual skills
Students will develop the ability to:
- B1 engage in close analysis of texts through understanding the language and forms of the texts;
- B2 evaluate critical responses through a guided programme of reading and through developing their own ideas and approaches;
- B3 deal with and assimilate complex texts, interpretations and ideas through examination of evidence, applying this synthesis to specific questions;
- B4 acquire substantial quantities of information, process and apply it effectively.
Professional/practical skills
Students will develop the ability to:
- C1 articulate knowledge and understanding of the linguistic features and literary concepts relating to the study of reflective poetry in Old English;
- C2 analyse texts with an awareness of how they relate to the culture and audience of Anglo-Saxon England; translate accurately from Old English to Present-Day English;
- C3 write accurately and grammatically, demonstrating awareness of the importance of style and register in communication, and present written material using conventions appropriate to literary and language work, including bibliographies;
- C4 construct and communicate a sustained analysis of texts, orally and in writing;
- C5 carry out research and develop their own critical responses through evaluation.
Transferable/Key skills
Students will develop the ability to:
- D1 work productively with others in class;
- D2 communicate effectively in writing;
- D3 communicate effectively through class discussion and project presentation
- D4 organise and manage time efficiently, including giving proper attention to preparation, and in meeting deadlines;
- D5 make use of information from different sources and present their ideas in a clear and accurate fashion;
- D6 reflect upon their own progress, strengths and weaknesses.