ENG2165 – Old English: Language and History

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

Discover the force of an old Germanic language! This course takes you to the period from the Viking incursions c. year 800 to the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066. You will learn the basics of English as it was then - a very different language from what it is now. We will study the morphological and syntactic structure of the language, and you will learn to read, translate and pronounce a variety of texts. Language does not exist independently of people and events, and the relation between language and history was especially close in this period. Hence, the course also includes a historical part (20%), in which we focus on the consequences of historical events on the status and development of the English language.

This is a course that requires systematic and diligent study throughout the term, but it gives you access to a very interesting linguistic and historical period. Through studying an older stage of the language, you will also be able to view modern English in a new light.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you:

  • can account for the morphological and syntactic structure of Old English
  • can account for the pronunciation of Old English and pronounce it yourself
  • can translate simple texts
  • can identify the key historical figures and events in the Old English period, and explain their impact

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

The students should have a solid basis in grammar and preferably also in phonetics.

ENG1100 – English Grammar or equivalent is required

ENG1103 – English Phonetics and Intonation or equivalent is recommended

Overlapping courses

Teaching

Lecture one hour per week and seminar two hours per week for 12 weeks, 36 hours in total.

Students are expected to attend all teaching. The quality of the teaching depends on active participation in all seminars.

Obligatory activities:

The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.

If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.

If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.

In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accomodations.

Fulfilled course requirements are only valid the semester you attend the course.

Examination

The obligatory requirements must be fulfilled in order to qualify for the exam.

There will be a a 4-hour written exam at the end of the term.

The language part counts approximately 75% towards the final grade, and the history part counts approximately 25%.

Specific assessment guidelines for this course will be made available on Canvas after the exam.

Examination support material

Macmillan Dictionary is available in the digital examination system Inspera. 

Language of examination

The language of examination is 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.

Resit an examination

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Mar. 29, 2024 12:18:14 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching

Autumn 2022

Not offered Autumn 2023

Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English