History of English/American Literature(s): Old English Literature and Beyond - Einzelansicht

History of English/American Literature(s): Old English Literature and Beyond

This lecture course aims at providing an introduction to the most important literary heirlooms of the Anglo-Saxon period (c.700-1100 AD). We are going to look at a representative selection of texts covering the secular heroic tradition (Beowulf, The Battle of Maldon), the gnomic tradition (Maxims, but, arguably, also Widsith and the Riddles), the Christian tradition (The Dream of the Rood, The Whale, selected passages from the Old English Genesis), and the elegies (The Wanderer, The Seafarer, The Wife's Lament). I will also comment, whenever appropriate, on the afterlife of these texts and their influence on modern writers and film-makers.The module concludes with a written exam in the last week of term (Thursday 16 July, 08.15-09.45). All texts are freely accessible in good quality on the internet and links to recommended sites and translations will be provided.