Introduction to Old English B

Subject 670-320 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1.5-hour seminars per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of first year English and successful completion of .
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Bernard Muir
Subject Overview:

This subject is an introduction to the language and literature of the Anglo-Saxons from 750-1150, focusing on both prose and poetry, which is read in the original. Students will be taught advanced Old English grammar and syntax, and will examine medieval poetic and rhetorical theory. The subject also investigates the intellectual and institutional history of the period in order to contextualise the literary developments. On completion of the subject students should have acquired a sound linguistic knowledge of Old English and should also have developed a sense of the significance of Medieval literature to the history, and further study, of English literature and language.

Assessment: A 2000 word essay 50% (due late in the semester); class presentation and translation exercises 25% (completed throughout the semester); class quizzes on grammar and translation 25% (completed throughout the semester). Assessment submitted late without a formal extension will be penalised at the rate of 1% per day late. Assessment will not be accepted in electronic format.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A Guide to Old English (B. Mitchell & R. Robinson), Blackwell, 6th ed Anglo-Saxon Poetry (Recommended Texts: A J Bradley), Dent/Everyman The Age of Bede (Farmer), Penguin Alfred The Great (S Keynes & M Lapidge), Penguin Old English Literature (Daniel Donoghue), Blackwell 2004
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • have acquired specific generic skills in the following areas:

  • developing critical self-awareness and the capacity to shape persuasive arguments;

  • applying research skills (especially in library and on-line resources) and critical methods to an emerging field of inquiry;

  • communicating arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and in group discussions;

  • detailed readings of a range of texts in different media;

  • thinking critically about the relations between academic and popular forms of knowledge of the past.

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