This course focuses on the first centuries of the English language and culture, the period of Old English and Anglo-Saxon England (c.450–c.1100), of which a surprisingly rich literature has come down to us. You will be given a thorough introduction to the Old English language (phonology, morphology, syntax; Old English as ancestor of Modern English), and you will develop skills in translating short texts in both prose and poetry. In addition, we shall study a variegated selection from Anglo-Saxon literature, partly in Old English and partly in translation, such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Æfric, Riddles, and Beowulf. Placing these texts in their cultural historical context also allows us to deal with such topics as the Vikings, the Sutton Hoo ship burial, manuscripts and daily life.
Timetable
The timetable will be available from June 1st on the Internet.
Method of Instruction
Two-hour tutorial per week.
A la carte and contract teaching
More information for students who are interested in taking this course as a Contract student (with exam).
This class is not available as A la carte course.
Course objectives
An insight into and understanding of Old English grammar; skills in translation of Old English text; insight in Anglo-Saxon literature and culture.
Required reading
Blackboard
Peter S. Baker. Introduction to Old English. 2nd edn. Malden MA (etc.): Blackwell, 2007.
Elaine Treharne. Old and Middle English c.890-c.1400: An Anthology. 2nd edn., Malden MA (etc): Blackwell 2004.
Examination
Unseen translation and grammar 35%; written test on literature and culture 50%; participation in tutorial and assignments 15%. Individual components of the test must be 5 or higher.
Information
Secretariaat Opleiding Engels, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, kamer 102c. Tel. 071-5272144.
English@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Blackboard/webpage
This course is supported by blackboard.
Overview
Week 1: “Mon mæg giet gesion hiora swæd”
Week 2: “Stæfcræft is seo cæg”
Week 3: “Her for se here”
Week 4: “Hwær eart u nu gefera? “
Week 5: “Da genam Woden VIIII wuldortanas”
Week 6: “Bis andwaerde lif manna on eordan”
Week 7: Study week
Week 8: “His song ond his leod”
Week 9: “Beowulf is min nama”
Week 10: “Wæs seo peod tilu”
Week 11: “Bid eower blæd micel”
Week 12: “Eala, Gesceadwisnes, hwæt”
Week 13: “Saga hwæt ic hatte”
Week 14: “Is nu swa hit no wære”