Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04
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-Icelandic and Anglo-Saxon stories and poetry. Topics covered may include: the love-triangle, maiden-kings, cross-dressing, amorous trolls, the stepmother as temptress, elopements and abductions, otherworldly lovers, unrequited love.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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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 may include: the love-triangle in Celtic and Norse narrative, maiden-kings and cross-dressing in Norse romance, amorous trolls, the stepmother as temptress, elopements, otherworldly lovers, lyrics of requited and unrequited love, and sexual humour. All these texts will be studied in English translation, and no prior knowledge is expected.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
Final essay (4000 words): 80%
SAM: 20%, including 10% allocated to 'course journal' showing written responses in note form to specific discussion points each week
Resit (for students taking course in Academic Year 2020/21):
Essay - 100%
Resit (for students who took the course in Academic Year 2019/20 and C8 students):
Essay - 100%
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand and appreciate a range of Celtic, Norse-Icelandic and Old English literary texts |
| Factual | Create | Write a coherent essay exploring a chosen topic within the course |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Analyse the balance of different viewpoints and ideologies within individual texts |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Engage in analytical comparison between different literary and linguistic zones and chronological periods |
| Factual | Understand | Understand how to read these texts in their historical and literary contexts |
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