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CE3094: DANGEROUS LIAISONS: LOVE, SEX AND ROMANCE IN THE CELTIC WEST AND THE OLD NORTH (2018-2019)

Last modified: 01 Jul 2020 16:39


Course Overview

The literature of the Celtic and Germanic Middle Ages is famous for tragic tales of forbidden love, and for the frankness with which its poetry approaches the subject of sexual attraction. This course will explore how the interwoven themes of love, sex and romance were dramatized in Celtic, Norse and Anglo-Saxon stories and poetry. Topics covered may include: the love-triangle, maiden-kings and cross-dressing, amorous trolls, sexual insults, the stepmother as temptress, the bride as peace-offering, elopements and abductions, otherworldly lovers, unrequited love and sexual humour.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus None. Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Ralph O'Connor

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Programme Level 3

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Either Celtic (CE) or History (HI)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The literature of the Celtic and Germanic Middle Ages is famous for its tragic tales of ill-starred romance and forbidden love, as well as for the frankness and freshness with which its poetry explores the subject of sexual attraction. This course will explore how the interwoven themes of love, sex and romance were dramatized in Celtic, Norse and Anglo-Saxon stories and poetry. Topics covered will include some or all of the following: the love-triangle in Celtic and Norse narrative, maiden-kings and cross-dressing in Norse romance, amorous trolls, sexual insults, the stepmother as temptress, the bride as peace-weaver in heroic society, elopements and abductions, otherworldly lovers, lyrics of requited and unrequited love, and sexual humour.

Further Information & Notes

This course is available to students on all degree programmes (other than Celtic & Anglo-Saxon Studies) as a Discipline Breadth course for the enhanced study requirement. The course may not be taken as part of a graduating curriculum with its counterpart in the other Honours year.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

1st Attempt

  • 2-hour written examination (60%)
  • 2000-word essay (30%)
  • Seminar participation (10%)

Resit

  • 2-hour written examination (100%)

Formative Assessment

Discussion of students' progress in writing and participation will be provided in scheduled individual meetings and/or in the instructor's office hours.

Feedback

Written feedback is communicated to students using the School of Language and Literature essay cover sheets. Feedback will also be provided in scheduled individual meetings and/or in the instructor's office hours. Students are given weekly feedback in the form of advice delivered verbally in class, both to individuals and to the whole class.

Course Learning Outcomes

None.

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