University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: This module introduces students to one of the strangest works of medieval literature, Beowulf. The module will also range widely amongst related North Sea literature (Old English poetry, Old Norse sagas, medieval Latin, and modern folklore).

Planned timetable: Tuesday 15.00-17.00

This module introduces students to one of the strangest works of medieval literature, Beowulf. The hero's struggles against monsters, and the text's depiction of pagan aristocracies and tribal warfare will be studied in close readings and thematic study against the backdrop of Anglo-Saxon literary history and poetic conventions. Key aspects studied will include monstrosity, warfare, paganism, apocalypticism, leadership, poetic composition, early medieval manuscript production, and the usage of electronic tools. The module will also range widely amongst related North Sea literature (Old English poetry, Old Norse sagas, medieval Latin, and modern folklore). Beowulf will be read in a glossed edition and in the original; supporting material will be read in translation. Our classroom work will include an (unassessed) oral presentation and reading aloud of Old English. Previous experience in reading Old English in the original is required for this module. (Group A)

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass EN2003 and pass EN2004

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 lecture and 1 seminar, and 2 optional consultative hours.

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%


Re-assessment: exam = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr C Rauer

Intended learning outcomes

• Acquire a good knowledge of a central Old English poetic text and related texts and text genres.
• Deepen their knowledge of the Old English language, and cope more confidently with texts in early English and difficult language.
• Develop self-awareness in reacting to culturally, historically and spiritually alien materials.
• Recognise modern preoccupations with conflicted human behaviour, religious and cultural dilemmas, and the difficulty of leadership roles in the written output of earlier generations and understand the timelessness of such topics
• Understand texts within their early medieval historical context.
• Demonstrate an aptitude for the close reading of texts.