Studying at York
Old Norse - ENG00149I
- Department: English and Related Literature
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2023-24
Module summary
The poetry, myths, and sagas of the Viking Age and medieval Iceland represent one of the unexpected treasures of world literature, and have been a major influence on many modern writers, including J.R.R. Tolkien, Seamus Heaney, and Neil Gaiman, as well as on many other areas of modern culture, such as film and gaming.
Mostly collected or composed in Iceland, there are three main types of literature in Old Norse, all of which will feature on this module: Eddic verse, which comprises mythological poetry about the Norse gods (e.g. Odin, Thor, Freyja) and heroic poetry about legendary heroes (e.g. Sigurd the dragon-slayer); skaldic verse, which represents courtly praise-poetry for Viking Age kings; and the Icelandic sagas themselves, gripping and stylish narratives set in the tenth and eleventh centuries. Recurrent themes in the module will include pagan myth and heroic legend, conversion and Christianization, migration and settlement, gender and society, feud and violence, and the relationship between orality and literacy. All texts will be read in translation, but the module will also include some instruction, from scratch, in the basics of the Old Norse language.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
The aims of this module are to introduce students to the richness and variety of Old Norse literature, and to impart a knowledge of the basics of the language.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
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Demonstrate an informed understanding of and engagement with a range of Old Norse texts and genres.
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Demonstrate an informed understanding of and engagement with the historical and cultural contexts of the Viking Age and medieval Iceland.
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Examine key debates and critical approaches in the study of Old Norse literature.
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Develop arguments and ideas which demonstrate a proficiency in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
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Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Old Norse language, and an understanding of some of the key issues at stake in the act of translation and in the study of literature in translation.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 70 |
| Open Examination | 30 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Throughout the module, you will have the opportunity to pitch, road-test, and develop essay ideas. Feedback will be integrated into your seminars or the ‘third hour’ (i.e. the lecture or workshop).
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 70 |
| Open Examination | 30 |
Module feedback
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You will receive feedback on all assessed work within the University deadline, and will often receive it more quickly. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is designed to help you to improve your work, and the Department also offers you help in learning from your feedback. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further you can discuss it with your tutor or your supervisor, during their Open Office Hours
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For more information about the feedback you will receive for your work, see the department's Guide to Assessment
Indicative reading
The Poetic Edda
Njal’s Saga and other sagas