Vikings

Fall 2018 > Humanities & Social Sciences > ENGL.2675 > 031

Course No: ENGL.2675-031; SIS Class Nbr: 13815; SIS Term: 2810
Course Status: Registration Closed

Course Description

An introduction to Norse mythology, sagas, and culture. The class will read translations of medieval texts recalling traditions of the old Norse gods and their cults during the Viking Age (ca. 800-1050 AD), as these were preserved in 13th-century Icelandic texts, but also in Latin, Arabic, Old High German, Old Swedish and Old English manuscripts and runic inscriptions. Students will explore the worldview and value system of this unique culture, and examine relations, often violent but sometimes comic or friendly, between groups of highly intelligent, vulnerable beings, both living and dead, male and female, animal and human, god and giant - a crowded universe full of trolls, elves witches, dwarfs, valkyries, berserks, shapeshifters, and various social classes of human beings.

Prerequisites, Notes & Instructor

• Prerequisites: ENGL.1010/S College Writing I, or ENGL.1020 College Writing II, or HONR.110 First Year Seminar in Honors:Text in the City.
• Section Notes: P: ENGL.1010 or ENGL.1020 or HONR.1100. An introduction to Norse mythology, sagas, and culture. We will read translations of medieval texts recalling traditions of the old Norse gods and their cults during the Viking Age (ca. 800-1050 AD), as these were preserved in 13th-century Icelandic texts, but also in Latin, Arabic, Old High German, Old Swedish and Old English manuscripts and runic inscriptions. We will explore the worldview and value system of this unique culture, and examine relations, often violent but sometimes comic or friendly, between groups of highly intelligent, vulnerable beings, both living and dead, male and female, animal and human, god and giant — a crowded universe full of trolls, elves, witches, dwarfs, Valkyries, berserks, shapeshifters and various social classes of human beings. Readings may include selections from the Germania of Tacitus, ibn Fadlan's Rûsiyyah, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, the Prose Edda of Snorri Sturluson, the Poetic Edda, Egil's Saga, Njal's Saga, The Saga of Gisli and the Vínland Sagas. ;
• Core Codes: GERMAN, AH, MEDI
• Credits: 3; Contact Hours: 3
• Instructor: Diana Archibald
• UMass Lowell Bookstore

When Offered & Tuition

• Online Course
• 2018 Fall: Sep 05 to Dec 09
• Chat Hours: Thu 8-9pm*
• Course Level: Undergraduate
• Tuition: $1140
• Note: There is a $30 per semester registration fee for credit courses.

*Chat Hours provide an opportunity for the instructor and students to communicate in "real time". It is an informative and interactive session where course related questions, answers, and discussions take place. While student attendance during chat hours is not required, it is highly recommended. Weekly chat sessions are archived for students who are not able to participate in the live chat sessions at the scheduled times.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this catalog. However, the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies reserves the right to implement new rules and regulations and to make changes of any nature to its program, calendar, procedures, standards, degree requirements, academic schedules (including, without limitations, changes in course content and class schedules), locations, tuition and fees. Whenever possible, appropriate notice of such changes will be given before they become effective.