ENG2154 - Old English, Introduction
Course content
The course offers an introduction to English as it was before the Norman Conquest (1066), that is, to one of the early Germanic languages. For the first half of the semester, students will work through Duncan Macrae-Gibson's "Learning Old English" (an interactive audio course, with written exercises to be discussed in class). This provides a step-by-step guide through the grammar set out in Sweet's "Anglo-Saxon Primer". The second half of the semester will be devoted to a study of texts in Sweet's "Primer", nos. I, IV, V, VI, and VIIb. These will afford some insight into the literature and history of England at a time when had variously close links with Scandinavia.
Learning outcome
- You will gain insight into the contents mentioned above in a manner to ensure your ability to perform simple analyses of Old English texts. Further, the course will lay the ground for studies of Old English on MA-level.
Admission
Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.
International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
ENG1100 - English Grammar, an introduction or a similar course. Admission to the course is required.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course assumes a good proficiency in written and oral English.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with ENG4154 - Old English, Introduction.Teaching
Seminar, with two classes each of two hours per week for eleven weeks, 44 hours in total.
Each student is required to hand in, class by class during the first four weeks, the eight written exercises in Macrae-Gibson's Learning Old English. It is a condition that these exercises be completed in approved form before the student is allowed to take the exam.
Attendance is an obligatory class requirement (80%).Additional absences must be justified (please contact the exam coordinator).
Examination
The final mark is awarded on the basis of a 4-hour written examination.
Previous exams: http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/hf/ilos/ENG2154/Eksamensoppgaver/Eksamensoppgaver.xml
Language of examination
English
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
You may request an explanation of your grades, and you may also appeal against your grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals.
Resit an examination
You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam.
Withdrawal from an examination
A student may sit this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Once the course requirements have been fulfilled, they remain valid for the current and the next two semesters that the course is taught.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Evaluation
Feedback from our students is essential if we are to provide the best possible education. As a student at the University of Oslo you will be asked to participate in various types of evaluation of our courses. Every time a course is given, we ask students to participate in mid-term evaluations, and periodically we ask them to participate in periodic evaluation of the course.