Englisches Seminar
Universität Münster

SPRACHWISSENSCHAFTLICHES PROSEMINAR:
INTRODUCTION TO OLD ENGLISH

WS 03/04
Mo 11-13, Room 031
Oliver M. Traxel


Around a thousand years ago the main language spoken on the British Isles was also called English ('seo Englisce spręc'). This stage of English language history is nowadays referred to as Old English, and some parts of it are even familiar to most of us since J. R. R. Tolkien used it as a basis for the language of Rohan ('Theoden' is the Old English word for 'king').

In this seminar we will examine various grammatical aspects of Old English and use this knowledge to read and translate a selection of shorter prose passages. We will also have a look at some facsimiles to gain a broader understanding of Anglo-Saxon manuscripts and handwriting. Prospective participants should have a strong interest in past language stages and preferably have visited a Sprachhistorischer Grundkurs. In preparation for this seminar you are advised to read chapter 2 in M. Godden & M. Lapidge, ed., The Cambridge Companion to Old English Literature (Cambridge, 1991) [LIT CA 1991:1] before the first session.

The set text is R. Hogg, An Introduction to Old English (Edinburgh: University Press, 2002) (ISBN 0-7486-1328-5). This book is available at Poertgen-Herder in the Salzstr., or at amazon.de.

The main assessment factor for the successful passing of this seminar will be a piece of coursework, which has to be handed in by 16 April. Relevant questions will be discussed in the final session on 2 February. Regular participation in all sessions is strongly advised. It is essential that candidates will have visited the following links to get a further impression of the course and to broaden their understanding of the subject matter:

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