Old English Literature: Beowulf

3 units

Beowulf is the earliest and one of the best vernacular works of western literature. In this course, we will learn enough of the Old English language to read much of the poem in the original, relying on translations to bridge the gaps. Student led discussion of scholarly articles will supply historical and literary contexts for the poem. Our emphasis will be on understanding, interpretation, and criticism of the poem. Satisfies pre-1700 requirement.