106-029 Introduction to Old English B: Poetry

106-024 Introduction to Old English A: Prose.

This subject is an introduction to the language and literature of the Anglo-Saxons from 750-1150, focusing on both prose and poetry, which is read in the original. Students will be taught advanced Old English grammar and syntax, and will examine medieval poetic and rhetorical theory. The subject also investigates the intellectual and institutional history of the period in order to contextualise the literary developments. On completion of the subject students should have acquired a sound linguistic knowledge of Old English and should also have developed a sense of the significance of Medieval literature to the history, and further study, of English literature and language.

• have developed critical self-awareness and the capacity to shape persuasive arguments;

• be able to apply research skills (especially in library and on-line resources) and critical methods to an emerging field of inquiry;

• be able to communicate arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and in group discussions;

• be able to give detailed readings of a range of texts in different media;

• be able to think critically about the relations between academic and popular forms of knowledge of the past.

A journal of 3200 words 90% (due mid-semester and again at the end of semester) and a book review of 800 words 10% (due at the end of semester). Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.

• P Baker, Introduction to Old English. Blackwell.
• A J Bradley, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Dent/Everyman.
• Farmer, The Age of Bede. Penguin.
• S Keynes & M Lapidge, Alfred The Great. Penguin.