University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: TBC

Reading Old English is a language-based module which takes the student through the basic knowledge of grammar and syntax required to read and understand Old English in the original language. Students will develop competence in the efficient use of dictionary tools, and in mastering linguistic concepts such as case, gender, number, tense and agreement, and learn, through practical, seminar-based training, to apply that knowledge in order to translate Old English accurately and idiomatically. After completing this module students will have increased confidence in directly accessing the riches of early English literature for themselves. While home students will already have been introduced to Old English on EN2003, this module assumes no previous knowledge of Old English language and therefore can also be taken by JSA and JYA students.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): null

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 two-hour seminar (x 11 weeks)

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Exam = 50% Coursework = 50% consisting of 2 x Class Tests


Re-assessment: Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr C Rauer
Module teaching staff: Dr Christine Rauer
Module coordinator email cr30@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Students will learn the ability to identify and parse the grammatical parts of speech in an Old English sentence.
• Students will recognise main and dependent clauses within Old English sentences and be able to pick out finite verbs and their subjects.
• Students will learn the basic morphological changes of Old English, and how they impact on the ability to use dictionaries of Old English effectively.
• Students will be able to translate previously unseen passages of Old English accurately and idiomatically, with the use of dictionaries and reference grammar.
• Students will be equipped with the skills and confidence to read more widely in OId English literature in the original language and without the aid of translations.