Course Catalogue

Old English Language ENGLANG4046

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course provides an introduction to the Old English language, providing the foundation necessary for students to engage with the literature of this culture in its original form.

Timetable

1x1hr seminar (whole class); 1x1hr tutorial (smaller groups) per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

 

This is one of the Honours options in English Language and Linguistics and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into English Language and Linguistics, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

Excluded Courses

ENGLANG4010 Old English Literature

ENGLANG5029 Old English Language

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

 The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Examination (90 minutes) - 50% 

■ Class test (50 minutes) - 25% 

■ Portfolio of online tests - 25% 

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the examination, but extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There are no alternatives to the class test, but extra time/special sitting arrangements can be offered as reasonable adjustment.

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ develop reading knowledge of Old English prose;

■ build vocabulary (passive and active) of the most frequently occurring words in Old English literature;

■ develop skills in analysing and explaining the structure and grammar of Old English prose.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ translate an unseen prose passage from Old English accurately into appropriate present-day English;

■ supply the meaning of common Old English words divorced from context;

■ identify and comment on grammatical constructions in an Old English text;

■ apply grammatical knowledge in class exercises, exams and assessments including translation from English into Old English of simple sentences;

■ explain and apply the effect of basic sound changes relevant to understanding and accounting for apparent irregularities in inflexion.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions