This module provides an introduction to the language and literature of Anglo-Saxon England. Students undertake 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.
• demonstrate knowledge of the historical and cultural contexts of Old English literature.
• undertake critical analysis of Old English texts and demonstrate an informed awareness of key issues addressed in scholarship on those texts.
• 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. There are three contact hours per week: in the first two or three weeks these will be devoted mainly to language work (grammar classes and translation); for the rest of the semester the normal pattern will be one lecture, one translation class, and one seminar each week.

In private study time outside of taught classes students will need to prepare their own translations, read set primary and critical texts, and prepare for seminar discussions.

Reading for the module includes set texts and critical books and articles in the library or accessible online. The textbook contains the texts for translation and a range of supporting materials; a Course Reader will be available containing further texts and critical essays for discussion in seminars. A specially produced Grammar Guide is provided as a handout.

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 texts from the Anglo-Saxon period in the original Old English. They will also practise linguistic analysis, critical analysis, and close reading of texts in both Old English and modern English translation. The assessed work provides them with an opportunity to develop their essay writing skills.

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 Texts:

Carole Hough and John Corbett, Beginning Old English, 2^nd edition (London: Palgrave , 2013)

A Course Reader containing additional texts and translations as well as selected critical essays.

Preliminary Secondary Reading:

Mark C.Amodio, The Anglo Saxon Literature Handbook (Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, (2013)

Peter S. Baker, Introduction to Old English (Oxford: Blackwell, 2003)

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

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)

Hugh Magennis, The Cambridge Introduction to Anglo-Saxon Literature (Cambridge: CUP, 2011)

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 suggeste

[Note: A comprehensive, thematic/topic/author-based module bibliography will be provided at the start of the module.]

Indicative Secondary Texts

Burdon, Christopher, The Apocalypse in England: Revelation Unraveling, 1700–1834 (Palgrave, 1997).