Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LI Earliest English
School	Eng, Drama, & Creative Studies
Department	English Literature
Module Code	09 37686
Module Lead	Megan Cavell
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	‘The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there’. This module will introduce you to the language, literature and cultural context of the early medieval period. By reading some of the first writings in the English language, you will gain insights into what it was like to be alive and thrive in a world very different to our own. Here, you will encounter mournful warriors, ravenous monsters and women on a mission. Exploring how writers of Old English texts represented the harsh realities of life on and off the battlefield, we will grapple with issues of gender, class, monstrosity and more. The module will also introduce you to the Old English language, and equip you with the tools needed to interpret and translate original texts into modern English.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of passages of Old English in the original language Demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to reflect on the process of translation as one of critical and creative interpretation Critically analyse Old English texts Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural and literary contexts of Old English
Assessment	37686-01 : Portfolio Close Reading 1,000 Words : Coursework (30%) 37686-02 : 2,500 Word Essay : Coursework (70%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment Old English word study of 1,500 words (40%) Old English translation study of 2,000 words (60%) Method of Reassessment Failed component only Old English word study of 1,500 words (40%) Old English translation study of 2,000 words (60%)
Other
Reading List