106-029 Introduction to Old English B

Usually 12.5 points of first year English and successful completion 106-024 Introduction to Old English A.

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 acquired specific generic skills in the following areas:

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

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

• communicating arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and in group discussions;

• detailed readings of a range of texts in different media;

• thinking critically about the relations between academic and popular forms of knowledge of the past.

A journal of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester) and an essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester). Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.

• B. Mitchell & R. Robinson, A Guide to Old English. Blackwell, 6th ed.
• A J Bradley, Anglo-Saxon Poetry. Dent/Everyman.
• Farmer, The Age of Bede. Penguin.
• S Keynes & M Lapidge, Alfred The Great. Penguin.
• Daniel Donoghue, Old English Literature. Blackwell 2004.