1000 Series Course Descriptions (Medieval Literature)

ENG1001HF
Old English I

A. Walton

Course Description

An introduction for reading knowledge to the oldest literary form of English, with discussion of readings drawn from the surviving prose and verse literature.

Course Reading List

Bright, Old English Grammar (online)
Kim, Workbook (online)
Baker, Introduction to Old English (online through U of T library and for sale on Amazon)

Course Method of Evaluation and Course Requirements

(1) essay due December 10, 2022 -  40% of final mark.
(2) test October 17 - 15% if final mark.
(3) test December 5 - 25% or final mark.
(4) Participation - 20% of final mark.

Previous acquaintance with Latin, German, or other highly inflected language is useful but not essential.

Term: F-TERM (September 2022 to December 2022)
Date/Time: Monday / 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm (NB: CHANGED DAY OF WEEK)
Location: LI 301, Lillian Massey Building (Centre for Medieval Studies, 125 Queen's Park, 3rd floor) 
Delivery: In-Person 


ENG1002HS
Introduction to Old English II: Beowulf

F. Michelet  

Course Description: (Revised December 2020)

This course is devoted to a collaborative reading and analysis of the Old English poem Beowulf: its language, its cultural and historical backgrounds, and its style. The work of our class will rely on close and informed attention to the poem's language and rhetorical strategies. In addition, we'll begin to explore some of the more technical aspects of studying Old English verse: possible topics include metrical analysis, paleography, and/or the problems of dating and authorship.

Completion of Old English I or its equivalent is desirable, but not a prerequisite.

Course Reading List

Edition: R. D. Fulk et al., eds., Klaeber's Beowulf and the Fight at Finnsburg, 4th ed. (Toronto: U of Toronto Press, 2008). Secondary texts: TBA.

Course Method of Evaluation and Requirements

Regular class attendance and active class participation. Class time will be spent in discussion and translation of the poem. Each student will be required to make several short and informal presentations in this course. Evaluation: class work: 15%; class presentations: 15%; short essay (abstract): 10%; final paper: 60%. 

Term: S-TERM (January 2023 to April 2023)
Date/Time: Friday / 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: Room JHB 718 (Jackman Humanities Building, 170 St. George Street)
Delivery: In-Person