Reading and composition in connection with the representation of Scandinavia by outsiders and insiders. Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement.

“Many foolish men do not believe anything that they have not seen or heard for themselves, especially such things as are far from their own natures, like wise men’s plans, and the strength or bravery—and not less the magic powers—of men of old...” -Sigurðar saga þögla Starting in the thirteenth century, Norwegians began translating French and Latin romances and histories into Old Norse. Very soon thereafter, Icelanders took this narrative tradition, adding elements of their own legendary storytelling tradition to create a new genre of adventure tales. These sagas, known collectively as riddarasögur, highlight a growing desire to produce dramatic, fictional literature in the North. Like the fantasy worlds of The Princess Bride, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings, these medieval Icelandic sagas present a cast of captivating characters who use their courage and martial prowess to navigate the complexities of a sometimes hostile and unforgiving world. As these stories feature the adventures and adversities these individuals encounter, they also illustrate the importance of the ability to use words as a form of power. This section of R5A will explore the importance of such effective communication skills, analyzing how the characters in these sagas convey their desires and denigrate their adversaries through eloquent speech. Students will use these narratives to build their own repertoires of conversational abilities, as they learn the moves that effective readers and writers employ to understand the writings of others and make their own unique voices be heard. Classroom activities will provide a theater for students to hone their skills as writers, both individually and in collaboration with others. Significant class time will also be given to instruction in the skills of essay writing and critical thinking. Students should emerge from this class able to read a variety of text types analytically and critically; to distinguish valid interpretations or arguments from spurious ones; to draft convincing interpretive arguments in clear, standard English; to read their own writing with a critical eye; and to give helpful, responsible feedback to colleagues on their written work.

Requisites

• Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing Requirement.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills