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This course will cover the riddles of the Exeter Book (in Old English
and in translation). Riddles appear to have been especially appealing
to the Anglo-Saxons: not only is there a collection of almost 100 riddles
in Old English; there are also three collections of Latin riddles written
by Anglo-Saxons. Studying these riddles thus provides us with clues regarding
obscure areas like literary taste. More importantly, however, these riddles
open a window onto areas of Anglo-Saxon life rarely mentioned in other
Old English poetic texts: slaves, drunkenness, farming, everyday artefacts,
sexuality, humour, etc.
Type of Course: half unit MA option
Course Leader: Dr Jennifer Neville
Scope of the Course:
Old English Riddles, both in the original and in translation, with some
reference to the Anglo-Latin riddling tradition, the context of the Exeter
Book, and Wisdom Literature in general
Aims of the Course:
- to introduce the Anglo-Saxon riddling tradition
- to deepen knowledge of the Old English poetic tradition, particularly
as exemplified by the Exeter Book Riddles
- to provide new and unusual perspectives on Anglo-Saxon culture and literature
Learning Outcomes:
- in-depth knowledge of the Exeter Book Riddles
- increased sophistication in approach to the Old English poetic tradition
- advanced understanding of the theories pertaining to riddles and their
application to the Exeter Book Riddles
- increased skill in argument, synthesis, abstract thought, and critical
engagement with texts
Teaching and Learning Methods:
- weekly, two-hour seminars
- oral presentations
- one coursework essay of 2000-3000 words
Workload:
You should expect to spend approximately 9 hours per week in preparation
for this course.
In-Course Feedback:
- written commentary on coursework essays, followed by consultations
- written commentary on oral presentations, followed by consultations
Method of Assessment:
- one essay of 5000 words
Assessment Criteria:
- essays should demonstrate detailed knowledge of the texts; they should
be carefully organised and edited, using the approved format for footnotes
and bibliography; they should propose and support their own argument
- see also the assessment criteria in the Medieval MA Handbook
Recommended Texts:
There is no textbook for this course. The primary texts (in Old English)
are supplied at the end of the course booklet.
You should consult a range of editions, translations, and critical works.
Suggestions for reading can be found in the Bibliography in the course
booklet.
Introductory Reading:
Williamson, Craig, ed.,
The Old English Riddles of the Exeter Book (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1977).
Wyatt, A. J., ed.,
Old English Riddles (Boston and London: D.C.
Heath, 1912).
Tupper, Frederick, Jr, The Riddles of the Exeter Book (Boston,
New York, Chicago, and London: Ginn, 1910).
Porter, John, ed.and trans., Anglo-Saxon Riddles (Hockwold-cum-Wilton: Anglo-Saxon Books, 1995). [note: this is a handy but unscholarly source]
Niles, John D., Old English Enigmatic Poems and the Play of the Texts (Turnhout: Brepols, 2006).
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