Prospectus

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Philology: The World According to Beowulf

Course
2009-2010

Description

“Why should we bother working through Beowulf when other books are an easier read?” The Old English epic Beowulf which is the oldest and longest poem of its kind in the context of the Germanic tradition, is not always an easy read, yet reading has proved rewarding to many generations of students. The poem not only gives us an exciting story concerning Beowulf-s fights – one against two cannibalistic monsters, Grendel and his mother, the other against a fire-spitting dragon – but it also tells us extensively of the ways of life and expectations as they prevailed in the aristocratic circles of Anglo-Saxon England shortly after the conversion to Christianity. In this course we shall read and translate a number of episodes from Beowulf and place these episodes within their cultural-historical context. Attention will also be given to some smaller heroic poems so as to gain a better perspective on Beowulf itself.
Extension to 15 ECTS is possible.

Teaching method

Two-hour seminar per week

Admission requirements

Advanced knowledge of the Old English language and culture.

Course objectives

Students will be familiar with the most complex poem of Old English literature by translating it in part and reading it in its entirety. They will be familiar with the mainstream of critical response. They will be able to report orally on certain approaches and to write an independent, critical essay on Beowulf.

Required reading

  • Peter S. Baker, ed., Beowulf: Basic Readings (New York: Garlandl, 1995).

  • Bruce Mitchell and Fred C. Robinson, eds., Beowulf: an Edition with Relevant Shorter Texts (Oxford: Blackwell, 1998).

  • Fred C. Robinson, Beowulf and the Appositive Style (Knoxville: Univ. of Tennessee Press, 1985).

Test method

Presentation and participation (20%); final paper or projects (80%).

Time table

Click here for the timetable

Information

English Department, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102c. Phone: 071 527 2144, or by mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Registration

Students can register through U-twist before 15 July, After 15 July students can only register through the Departmental Office.

Blackboard

This course is supported by Blackboard