Module ENGL2101: OLD NORSE LEVEL 2

Department: English Studies

ENGL2101: OLD NORSE LEVEL 2

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Old Norse Level 3.

Aims

• To introduce students to the language, literature, culture, legend and mythology of the medieval Norse-speaking world, to enable them to gain a competent reading knowledge of the Old Norse language, and to permit them to study a language topic or at least one literary work in a more extended way.

Content

• This module combines the study of language and literature.
• Language will be taught in weekly classes, which will focus on acquiring a grasp of the language and on a selected group of texts for translation.
• Weekly lectures in Michaelmas term will cover a wide range of literary genres and their cultural contexts, and tutorials in the first and second terms will enable literary discussion and formative translations and essays.
• The syllabus varies from year to year, but includes at least one mythological poem, at least one other poem, some prose and at least one optional text or a language topic chosen by each student individually. Optional texts include family sagas, legendary sagas, histories, eddic poems, selection of skaldic verse, and bodies of runic inscriptions.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of the structures and working of the Old Norse language and a knowledge of the major features of Old Norse literature.
• Expertise in areas of literature from the medieval to the modern period.
• Knowledge of a substantial number of authors and texts from different periods of literary history.
• Appreciation of the power of imagination in literary creation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the distinctive character of texts written in the principal literary genres, the novel, poetry and drama.
• Knowledge of linguistic, literary, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature is written.
• Knowledge of useful and precise critical terminology.
• Awareness of the range and variety of approaches to literary study.

• Students studying this module will develop:
• an ability to translate and analyse Old Norse literary works in prose and verse
• critical skills in the close reading and analysis of texts
• an ability to demonstrate knowledge of a range of texts, authors, and critical approaches within this literary context
• an informed awareness of formal and aesthetic dimensions of Old Norse literature and an ability to offer cogent analysis of their workings in specific texts relating to this literary context
• a sensitivity to generic conventions and to the shaping effects on communication of historical circumstances, and to the affective power of language
• an ability to articulate and substantiate an imaginative response to literature
• an ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to this literary period
• skills of effective communication and argument
• an awareness of conventions of scholarly presentation, and bibliographic skills, including accurate citation of sources and consistent use of scholarly conventions of presentationa command of a broad range of vocabulary and an appropriate critical terminologyan awareness of literature as a medium through which values are affirmed and debated
• an ability to engage in independent research at an appropriate level

• Students studying this module will develop:
• a capacity to analyse critically
• an ability to acquire complex information of diverse kinds in a structured and systematic way involving the use of distinctive interpretative skills derived from the subject
• a competence in the planning and execution of essays
• a capacity for independent thought and judgement, and ability to assess the critical ideas of others
• skills in critical reasoning
• an ability to handle information and argument in a critical manner
• information-technology skills such as word-processing and electronic data access information
• organisation and time-management skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures: enable students to gain subject-specific knowledge of cultural, aesthetic and intellectual issues in relation to individual works and authors, an area or period, or a theoretical or language-related topic; encourage students to be aware of the range and variety of approaches to literary study; present ideas and information to encourage, on the part of students, further thought and discussion
• Tutorials and Language/Translation Classes: enable students to explore, in a selective way, through small-group discussion, specific texts and topics (many of which will be addressed by lectures); to focus on selected literary issues and problems; to give practice in translation and guide them in developing subject-specific analytical skills and knowledge
• Formative essays and translation exercises: are written on a text or texts, or a literary topic, and they require the student to demonstrate appropriate subject-specific knowledge and skills, such as the ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to literary study or to render Old Norse accurately in English. Essays and translation exercises are carefully marked and returned to students with written comments. Formative essays allow for students to explore and try out without risk different approaches to and perspectives on literary texts; likewise translation exercises allow students to test out and hone their skills in rendering Old Norse in English; essays and translation exercises are both useful for revision purposes. A considerable element of choice of essay topics encourages development in students of their capacity for independent thought and judgement.
• Consultation session: Allows students to discuss their ideas concerning the topics they will write on in their assessed essays and to benefit from expert advice.
• Independent but directed reading in preparation for lectures and tutorials provides opportunity for students to enrich subject-specific knowledge and enhances their ability to develop appropriate subject-specific skills.
• Examination: tests the student's ability to present subject-specific knowledge, to select appropriate materials, and to construct and manage clear and effective arguments in a timed period; to demonstrate independent thinking, and test that students have achieved stated learning outcomes.
• Coursework: tests the student's ability to argue, respond and interpret, and to demonstrate subject-specific knowledge and skills such as appreciation of the power of imagination in literary creation and the close reading and analysis of texts; they also test the ability to present word-processed work, observing scholarly conventions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular short passages of oral translation. Two written translations and two short essays. The second translation and essay are optional.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University