ENG2165 – Old English: Language and History
Course description
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, 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
Recommended previous knowledge
ENG1103 – English Phonetics and Intonation or equivalent is recommended
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with ENG4165 – Old English: Language and History.
Teaching
Seminar two hours per week for 14 weeks, 28 hours in total.
Students are expected to attend all teaching. The quality of the teaching depends on active participation in all seminars.
Obligatory activities:
Within a specified date, students are asked to submit two obligatory assignments. In addition, there will be a number of small exercises throughout the term. Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements. Information about guidelines for obligatory activities.
It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you must attend a minimum of 8 out of 14 seminars. The requirement is absolute. Attendance at 14 out of 14 seminars is strongly encouraged. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to catch up the work you have missed.?
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.
In certain circumstances, i.e., serious or chronic illness, you could apply for?special needs accommodations
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%.?Pass marks are required on both parts.
Specific assessment guidelines for this course will be made available on Canvas after the exam.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
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.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.