An introduction to the language and literature of Anglo-Saxon England. This module involves close study of a selection of Old English prose and poetry in the original language and in modern English translation. The module should appeal to students interested in the history of the English language as well as those with an interest in medieval literature; no previous experience of language-learning is necessary.

• demonstrate a basic knowledge of Old English grammar and vocabulary by translating passages from the set texts.
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• demonstrate knowledge of the historical and cultural contexts of Old English literature and its later reception.
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• demonstrate specific knowledge of selected Old English texts and an informed awareness of key issues addressed in scholarship on those texts.
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• write an appropriately documented essay demonstrating their familiarity with, and ability to think critically about, Old English literature and some of the critical issues it raises.

The module will be taught by a mixture of lectures, seminars, and language classes involving grammar practice and translation work. Students will read their translations aloud in the language classes and will be expected to contribute to discussion in seminars.

Reading for the module is mainly in the form of set texts, together with critical books and articles in the library or accessible online. Grammar handouts will be provided. Module documentation, and grammar and lecture handouts will be made available on Learning Central in advance of the relevant class. Students requiring materials in other formats should contact the module leader as soon as possible.

Students will develop an ability to read, translate, and interpret Old English texts in Old English and in modern English translation, and will also practise critical analysis, and essay writing.

HOW THE MODULE WILL BE ASSESSED:

The module is assessed by an assessed essay which will involve literary critical analysis of the set texts, andan exam which will focus on translation and commentary.

The module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the English Literature Course Guide.There are otherwise no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

Set Text:

Richard Marsden, The Cambridge Old English Reader (Cambridge: CUP, 2004).

Texts for special study will include:

The Battle of Maldon

The Dream of the Rood

and a selection of the Old English elegies.

INDICATIVE READING AND RESOURCE LIST:

Preliminary Secondary Reading:

S. A. J. Bradley, trans., Anglo-Saxon Poetry (London: Everyman, 1982)

Patrick W. Conner, Anglo-Saxon Exeter: Tenth-century Cultural History (Woodbridge: Brewer, 1993)

D. Donoghue, Old English Literature: A Short Introduction (Oxford: Blackwell, 2004)

R. Fulk and C. Cain, A History of Old English Literature (Oxford: Blackwell, 2002)

M. Godden and M. Lapidge, eds, The Cambridge Companion to Old English Literature (Cambridge: CUP, 1991)

Bernard J. Muir, ed.,The Exeter Anthology of Old English poetry: an edition of Exeter Dean and Chapter MS 3501, 2nd edn (Exeter: University of Exeter Press, 2000)

Richard North and Joe Allard, eds, Beowulf and Other Stories: A New Introduction to Old English, Old Icelandic and Anglo-Norman Literature (London: Pearson, 2007).

Further reading will be suggested during the module.