Reading Old English
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ENGL4263 | English | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- ENGL4263
- School
- English
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module provides an intensive introduction to the Old English language, taking students through its grammar and through a selection of texts in prose and verse. Each week an aspect of language will be studied through exercises and focussed work on extracts from ‘real’ Old English. By the end of the module, students will have an understanding of the Old English grammar and syntax, and will be familiar with texts from a number of genres, extracts of which they will have translated. Understanding of the language and of the set texts and their literary and cultural context will be tested in the coursework assessment.
Target Students
Only available to on-site postgraduate students in the School of English.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
Assessment
- 20% Coursework 1: Translation and parsing exercise 1 (20%) submission during teaching period; approximately 500 words.
- 20% Coursework 2: Translation and parsing exercise 2 (20%) [submission during teaching period; approximately 500 words]
- 60% Coursework 3: Commentaries on extracts from two of the set texts, approximately 30 lines each, on matter of stylistic, literary, historical or cultural interest (60%) [submission during assessment period; max. 3000 words].
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to provide students with an opportunity rapidly to gain a sound understanding of the basics of Old English grammar with reference to real Old English texts; the skills to translate Old English texts, both prose and verse, using standard text and reference books; knowledge of the contexts which produced Old English texts; appropriate, discipline-specific technical vocabulary opportunities to demonstrate their skills in discussing and writing within academic contexts. 800x600Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- A1 Old English and related languages, literature and culture, including Old Norse language and literature and the culture of the period 400-1500 in England and Scandinavia;
- A2 the relationship between A1 and other disciplines and forms of knowledge, including history, linguistics, onomastics and archaeology;
- A3 the study of original documents, including manuscripts and inscriptions.
- A1 is the "core" element, covered throughout the programme; A2, A3 are elective specialist elements which may not be taken
Intellectual Skills
Students will develop the ability to:
- B1 engage in close and logical analysis of original source materials;
- B2 evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in selected disciplines;
- B3 deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and relate them to specific problems or questions;
- B4 acquire substantial quantities of information systematically and process it effectively.
Professional/Practical Skills
Students will develop the ability to:
- C1 articulate knowledge and understanding of the interdisciplinary study of the Viking Age and early medieval England;
- C2 construct and communicate a sustained analysis of texts or other source material to a high standard of accuracy in content and presentation;
- C3 carry out research in a variety of media, using techniques drawn from English Studies and other disciplines, and evaluate and make use of the material so acquired;
- C4 translate accurately and effectively from one language to another.
Transferable/Key Skills
Students will develop the ability to:
- D1 demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems;
- D2 develop strategies for drawing sustainable conclusions from incomplete evidence;
- D3 communicate their findings clearly in writing.