Old English
Old English: An Overview
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Old English, for most of us (me included!) evokes images straight out of Tolkien’s version of Meduseld, the mead-hall of Rohan: helmeted warriors, sturdy beams intricate with carving, bright swords and polished helmets. The gruff and guttural English of the Anglo-Saxons is strange and foreign to modern ears, but it has a rugged and “muscular” sound that carries throughout the poetry of the age. Surprisingly delicate and witty in kennings, wordplay, and riddles, Anglo-Saxon literature and language is a delight to explore.
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Background Reading
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Preparation
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Know Your Map
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Know Your Map
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The Anglo-Saxon Literature Readings
Readings are mandatory unless specifically marked “Optional.” Optional readings are just that — optional. They are there for your convenience and to help expand your understanding of the course material. If you’re having a hard time understanding something, the optional materials can often be very helpful to you. If you have suggestions for optional material you would like to see on this page, please email me at [email protected] with your suggestions. |
Major Texts
Reading About Beowulf Outline or take textual notes on all textbook information that you are asked to read. I will give occasional open-note quizzes, so taking notes will definitely help your understanding.
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The Discussion Questions
Discussion questions will typically be used during (you guessed it!) in-class discussion. Sometimes, these questions may form the basis for an essay question or test. We may not address all questions, and we may address others that spontaneously arise during discussion. However, knowing that these are general topics will be of use to you.
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Handouts
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Written Assignments
NOTE: The following are possible writing assignments for this unit. Any writing assignment will be given and explained in class. In other words, please do not do these assignments unless you’re specifically asked to do so. They are put here for your convenience and reference if you're absent or missing the handout. |
Written Assignment Links
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Beowulf Readings
Anglo-Saxon Culture
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Media Resources
NOTE: These are here to help you understand concepts or texts, but they are optional unless specifically assigned. |
Fun Stuff Online
Anglo-Saxon Language
Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon Culture
Beowulf in Performance
Beowulf in Translation
Beowulf as Graphic Novel
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