Introduction to Old English Language and Literature:
Riddles, Dreams, Wonders
Tuesdays, 2–4
Memorial Hall 028
English 102h | Erica Weaver
[email protected] | Office Hours: Monday 4–6, Barker 029
Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Junius 11, fol. 3
In this course, you will learn to read English as it was written a thousand years ago,
beginning with a grammatical overview and ultimately translating a wide array of the earliest
English literature, from riddles and dream guides to monastic sign language and travel
narratives. Throughout, we will examine varying assumptions about knowledge and
knowledge production, literature and literary theory then and now, focusing in particular on
texts that instruct their readers in how to read them—from magical incantations to manuals
on how to predict the future.
Note: Students who complete both English 102 and 103 with honors grades will fulfill the
College language requirement and the English Department’s Foreign Literature requirement.
COURSE GOALS:
•
To acquire a reading knowledge of Old English and a working familiarity with AngloSaxon art, history, and literature. You will be able to:
o Explain the fundamentals of Old English grammar (and some quirks of modern
English!)
o Appreciate Old English prose and poetry in the original
o Craft polished, literary translations
•
To trace Anglo-Saxon theories of the imaginative world, from the meaning of dreams to
the nature of time and from divination to interpretation.
•
To undertake an original research project on an Old English riddle. You will be able to:
o Propose a solution
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o Develop a critical bibliography around your riddle, including diverse methods
and viewpoints
o Put secondary criticism in conversation with your own ideas and with other
criticism
o Write with greater clarity and precision
REQUIRED BOOKS:
•
•
Peter Baker, An Introduction to Old English (ISBN: 047065984X), $52
J. R. Clark-Hall, A Concise Anglo-Saxon Dictionary (ISBN: 1617201871), $15
o N.B. There is an excellent online dictionary at http://bosworth.ff.cuni.cz/, if
you prefer to use that for your translations, but you must buy the Clark-Hall,
if you would like to use a dictionary for your quizzes, midterm, and final.
Texts for translation will be posted on the course site. Bring hard copies to class along with
your books.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS:
Weekly Translation
For each text, I will provide a double-spaced version for you to work from. Write out your translation
between the lines, taking care to parse above the line as you go. You will eventually turn these in, but I
encourage you to set them aside in class. By working from the original for in-class translation and discussion,
you will sharpen your sense of how the language is actually working (and, of course, gain valuable practice for
the midterm and final!).
Quizzes
These quizzes won’t contain any surprises; they’re simply meant to provide an incentive for staying on top of
your paradigms. As we get closer to the midterm, I’ll give you some snippets to translate, too.
Midterm Exam
Some grammar, some translation, and a brief essay on one of the works we’ve read. You may use a
dictionary, but keep in mind that you will have a limited amount of time, so you won’t be able to look up
every word—just a couple here and there.
Solving an Anglo-Saxon Riddle
Pick one of the riddles from the Exeter Book. Then, provide an edition of the text, noting any emendations; a
stylish, polished translation; and a literary analysis of 500–750 words, complete with a solution (or
solutions), secondary citations, and general commentary.
Final Exam
Just like the midterm, only longer.
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GRADING:
Active attendance and participation
Please note that this 10% is not only to reward (timely) attendance, which is a basic
requirement, but to encourage careful reading and regular, informed participation. You
are hereby encouraged to come to office hours as well.
Quizzes
Translations
Midterm Exam
Riddle Project
Final Exam
10%
10%
20%
15%
20%
25%
ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS:
Your attendance in lecture is vital to your own success as well as to the success of the class
as a whole. I will allow each student one “free” absence to be used in case of sickness, travel,
etc: no explanation necessary. Missing more than one class will decrease your participation
grade, and excessive absence could result in failing the course.
Being late really disrupts the work we’re doing together: 2 late arrivals = 1 absence. If you
have attenuating circumstances, you must communicate with me in a timely manner so that
we can discuss possible solutions.
DEADLINES:
Late assignments will be docked 1/3 letter grade per day late. If, well in advance of an
assignment, you expect you will need an extension, please talk with me.
ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
Please exhibit generosity and integrity in all of your endeavors. See the full mandates of the
Harvard College Honor Code here: http://honor.fas.harvard.edu/honor-code. When in
doubt, cite generously, following MLA style.
DISABILITY POLICY:
I strive for an equitable and inclusive classroom. If anything is hindering you from doing
your best work, please don’t hesitate to speak with me.
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SCHEDULE:
WEEK 1:
The Materiality of Medieval Texts, Or Who Were the Anglo-Saxons?
-
WEEK 2:
Silence and Sign Language
-
WEEK 3:
Read: Baker, “Verbs,” pp. 64–88
Translate: Ælfric’s Colloquy, ll. 121–55
Quiz: Nouns
Time and Attention
-
WEEK 6:
Read: Baker, “Nouns” and “Adjectives” pp. 50–63 and 89–95
Translate: Ælfric’s Colloquy, ll. 1–25
Quiz: Personal and Demonstrative Pronouns
Violent Pedagogy and Secrecy
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WEEK 5:
Read: Baker, “Case” and “Pronouns,” pp. 34–49
Translate: Selections from the Monasterialia indicia, Signs 1–5
In class: The Rule of St. Benedict, Ch. 6 (on silence)
Learning to Read
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WEEK 4:
Recommended: Baker, “The Anglo-Saxons and Their Language” and
“Pronunciation,” pp. 1–22. If grammar isn’t your strong suit, then also
work through Baker, “Basic Grammar: A Review,” pp. 22–33 and touch
base with me after class.
In class: We will examine a selection of Anglo-Saxon riddles.
Read: Baker, “Adverbs, Conjunctions and Prepositions,” pp. 99–105
Translate: Excerpt from Byrhtferth’s Enchiridion
Quiz: Strong Verbs, Weak Verbs, and Preterite-Presents
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
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Read: Baker, “Old English in its Material Context,” pp. 156–68
Translate: Selections from The Wonders of the East
Quiz: Translation practice
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WEEK 7:
MIDTERM EXAM
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WEEK 8:
The Interpretation of Dreams
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WEEK 9:
Read: Solomon and Saturn I in its entirety in a facing-page translation
Translate: Solomon and Saturn I, ll. 84–126
Divination
-
WEEK 12:
Read: Baker, “Metre” and “Poetic Style,” pp. 123–45
Translate: Metrical Charm 3, Wið Dweorh
Runic Incantation
-
WEEK 11:
Read: The Dream of the Rood with a facing-page translation
Translate: Selections from the Alphabetical Dreambook
Nightmares, Night Terrors, and Lucid Dreaming
(Happy Halloween!)
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WEEK 10
The exam will take roughly an hour.
During the second half of class, I will introduce the riddle project.
Read: Ælfric, De auguriis in facing-page translation
Translate: Excerpts from Tiberius A.iii lunaria
In class: Law codes against fortune-telling, witchcraft, and divination
Living in Sight of the End
-
Read: Ælfric on comets and William of Malmesbury on Æthelmær, the
flying monk
Translate: Anglo-Saxon Chronicle for 1066
WEEK 13:
Riddle Presentations
TBA:
FINAL EXAM
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