Contextualising Old Norse

Code

ENGL4267

School

English

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This course will introduce you to a range of Old Norse texts in both poetry and prose, and to current critical thinking about Old Norse literature in its cultural and historical contexts. The course will equip you with a range of practical and theoretical frameworks for your own study which will be tested in the contextual commentary. Seminars will be student-led: you will present and discuss recent critical approaches and test them against your own reading of texts themselves. You will write an essay similarly combining theoretical, historical or cultural reflection with analysis of a text or texts of your choice. Knowledge of Old Norse is NOT required for this module, though students who have done ENGL4264 Reading Old Norse will be expected to deploy the knowledge gained there.

Target Students

Students following the MAs in Viking and Early Medieval English Studies and English Studies. Other students at the discretion of the Convenor.

Classes

• One 2-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks

Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester

Assessment

• 20% Coursework 1: One 1000 word contextual commentary on a set text submission during teaching period
• 80% Coursework 2: One 3000 word essay submission during assessment period

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding of:

• literature of medieval Scandinavia
• an understanding of the text types and textual transmissions of medieval Scandinavian literature
• cultural and historical contexts of this literature

Intellectual skills:

• the ability to conduct self-directed study
• the ability to perform accurate research into current scholarly thinking

Professional skills:

• the ability to conduct independent research
• the ability to develop and present ideas clearly in a sustained discussion
• the ability to produce high standard written assignments

Transferable skills:

• the ability to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
• the ability to communicate results clearly in writing

Conveners

• Dr Kate Olley