SE2560: Norse Myth and Saga
| School | English Literature |
| Department Code | ENCAP |
| Module Code | SE2560 |
| External Subject Code | Q320 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Carl Phelpstead |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
This module combines an introduction to the language of medieval Iceland with the study of Old Norse mythology and legend. Students will learn to read selections from Snorri Sturluson’s Edda in Old Norse-Icelandic, as well as reading modern English translations of other mythological and legendary texts and a family saga (Eyrbyggja saga) that is rich in supernatural material.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- demonstrate a basic knowledge of Old Norse-Icelandic grammar and vocabulary by being able to translate passages from their set text.
- write an informed and appropriately documented critical essay on Old Norse mythology and legend and the relevant medieval sources.
How the module will be delivered
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.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
Students are expected to attend and participate in the lectures and seminars for all modules on which they are enrolled. Students with good cause to be absent should inform their module leaders, who will provide the necessary support. Students with extenuating circumstances should submit the Extenuating Circumstances Form in accordance with the School’s procedures.
The total number of hours which students are expected to devote to each 20-credit module is 200. Of these, 30 hours will be contact hours with staff (lectures and seminars); the remaining 170 hours should be spent on self-directed learning for that module (reading, preparation for seminars, research, reflection, formative writing, assessed work, exam revision). There are also additional seminars and workshops that students are able to attend.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Students will develop an ability to read, translate, and interpret Old Norse texts in the original language and in translation, and will also practise critical analysis, and essay writing.
How the module will be assessed
The module is assessed by an exam, which will focus on translation and language work, and an assessed essay in which students will have the opportunity to write on issues arising from the study of Norse mythological and legendary texts.
Exam (1.5 hours) = 50%
Approx date of assessment in January
Essay (1600 words) = 50%
Approx date of assessment in January
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 50 | Essay | N/A |
| Exam - Autumn Semester | 50 | Norse Myth And Saga - Exam | 1.5 |
Syllabus content
Snorri Sturluson, Edda: Prologue and Gylfanginning, ed. Anthony Faulkes (London: Viking Society for Northern Research, 2005).
The Prose Edda, trans. Jesse Byock (Penguin Classics, 2005) [A suitable alternative is Snorri Sturluson, Edda, trans. Anthony Faulkes (1987, rev. edn Phoenix, 1995)]
The Poetic Edda, trans. Carolyne Larrington (Oxford World’s Classics, 2008 or 2nd edn 2014) [or Andy Orchard, trans., The Elder Edda: A Book of Viking Lore (Penguin Classics, 2011)]
Eyrbyggja saga, trans. Hermann Pálsson and Paul Edwards (Penguin Classics, 1989) OR Gisli Sursson's Saga and the Saga of the People of Eyri, trans. Martin Regal and Judy Quinn (Penguin Classics, 2003).
Grammar handouts and photocopied translations of other brief mythological and legendary sources will be supplied.
Essential Reading and Resource List
INDICATIVE READING AND RESOURCE LIST:
Secondary Reading (Indicative)
Abram, Chris, Myths of the Pagan North: The Gods of the Norsemen (Continuum, 2011)
Lindow, John, Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals and Beliefs (OUP, 2002)
O'Donoghue, Heather, Old Norse-Icelandic Literature: A Short Introduction (Oxford: Blackwell, 2004)
O’Donoghue, Heather, From Asgard to Valhalla: The Remarkable History of the Norse Myths (London: I. B. Tauris, 2007)
Orchard, Andy, Cassell's Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend (Cassell, 2002)
Ross, Margaret Clunies, ed., Old Icelandic Literature and Society (Cambridge: CUP, 2000)
Turville-Petre, Gabriel, Myth and Religion of the North: The Religion of Ancient Scandinavia (London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1964)
Further reading will be recommended during the module.