Description
Old Norse, alternatively refferred to as Old Icelandic, is the name of the language of Viking Age and Medieval Scandinavia. Linguistically, it can be studied as an introduction to the history of all Nordic languages, including Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish. From a cultural perspective, Old Norse is known for its rich literary heritage, including the prose sagas and a wealth of mythological and legendary poetry. During the course, we study the structure of the language and read a number of Old Norse texts in the original. In addition, a major part of the course will consist of tracing the most important sound changes by which Old Norse evolved from its linguistic ancestor, Proto-Germanic.
Course objectives
Understanding the structure of the Old Norse language
Elementary reading proficiency in Old Norse and its main dialects
Insight into some of the characteristic literary and mythological themes of Old Norse texts.
Mastering the most important sound changes between Proto-Germanic and Old Norse
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Final paper on an aspect of Old Norse historical phonology or morphology (to be handed prior to the written exam).
Written examination including a translation and short open questions
Weighing
Final paper (30%)
Written examination (70%)
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.
Resit
- Written examination with short open questions
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
E.V. Gordon, An Introduction to Old Norse. 2nd edition, revised by A.R. Taylor. 1957, Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website
Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of À la carte education (without taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats