| FALL
2009
N.B. ~ PATRICIA DAILEY, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, is on leave during Fall 2009.
MICHAEL MATTO, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
ENGL W4091x Introduction to Old English Language and Literature
An introduction to the language and literature of England from the 8th to the 11th centuries. This class provides a general historical and literary introduction to the period as you learn the language of Anglo-Saxon England. Because this is predominantly a language class, we will spend much of our class time studying grammar as we learn to translate literary and non-literary texts. While this course provides a general historical framework for the period as it introduces you to the culture of Anglo-Saxon England, it will also take a close look at Anglo-Saxon folk psychologies of mind and embodiment as they are revealed in the language. We will look at how each work contextualizes (or recontextualizes) relationships between the body and soul, the soul and the mind, and the individual and society. Students will be expected to do assignments for each meeting. Requirements: The course will involve periodic quizzes, a mid-term paper, a final exam, and an oral presentation (to be turned in).
M/W, 6.10-7.25, 3 pts. (undergrad/grad)
STACY KLEIN, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
350:411, Old English Language and Literature
This course is designed to give students with no previous knowledge of Old
English the basic skills necessary to read and interpret Old English
texts. We will examine a variety of poetic and prose writings, including
Old English alliterative shorter poems dealing with exile, gender roles,
and early medieval cults of the cross; chronicles and historical
narratives designed to construct specific ideas about the past and
historical memory; and excerpts from the growing body of vernacular
religious writings produced for an Anglo-Saxon populace that, according to
some monks, was becoming increasingly illiterate. Throughout the course,
attention will be given to Old English pronunciation, grammar, and
vocabulary, and most of the individual class periods will be devoted to
reviewing and discussing translations which students will have prepared at
home. Enrolled graduate students will be asked to meet with me both
individually and in small groups to discuss bibliographic and other
resources for pursuing Anglo-Saxon studies, theoretical approaches to the
period’s literature, and their own research interests.
Course requirements
• in class translations (25%)
• midterm and final exams (50%)
• one 5-7 page paper (25%)
• memorization of a short passage in Old English
T/R 1.10-2.30
CAC, SC 206 (Tuesday) and SC 116 (Thursday)
Course Description: This course is designed to give students with no
previous knowledge of Old English the basic skills necessary to read and
interpret Old English texts. We will examine a variety of poetic and
prose writings, including Old English alliterative shorter poems dealing
with exile, gender roles, and early medieval cults of the cross;
chronicles and historical narratives designed to construct specific ideas
about the past and historical memory; and excerpts from the growing body
of vernacular religious writings produced for an Anglo-Saxon populace
that, according to some monks, was becoming increasingly illiterate.
Throughout the course, attention will be given to Old English
pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, and most of the individual class
periods will be devoted to reviewing and discussing translations which
students will have prepared at home. Enrolled graduate students will be
assigned additional readings and will meet with me individually and in
small groups to discuss bibliographic and other resources for pursuing
Anglo-Saxon studies, theoretical approaches to the period’s literature,
and their own research interests.
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