EN3111 Beowulf

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

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 information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

Dr C Rauer

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

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-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS EN2003 AND PASS EN2004

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

exam = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture and 1 seminar, and 2 optional consultative hours.

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.