This is an undergraduate-level class which will introduce students to the vernacular written language of Iceland and Norway in the Middle Ages. Class time will focus on grammatical lectures, translations, and close-reading exercises of Old Norse texts. By the end of the semester students should be able to read saga-style Old Norse prose texts in normalized orthography with the help of a dictionary. Assignments will include weekly translations, grammatical exercises, quizzes, a midterm, and a final exam. Regular participation is required.

Texts:
Zöega’s Old Icelandic Dictionary (any edition)
Michael Barnes, A new introduction to Old Norse, Part I: Grammar. London: Viking Society, 2008. 978-0903521741
and additional texts to be announced by the instructor.

Prerequisites: none

This class is currently taught in-person. Students will be notified in advance if this class switches to remote teaching.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills