ENGL 3120

ENGL 3120

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2015-2016.

In recent years, Beowulf has received renewed attention in popular culture, thanks to the production of two recent Beowulf movies and riveting new translations (eg. Seamus Heaney). The poem's appeal lies in the complex depictions of its monsters, accounts of heroic bravery, and lavish portrayals of life in the Meadhall. Through close readings we will also explore the "dark side" of the poem: its punishing depictions of loss and exile, despairing meditations on unstable kingship and dynastic failure, and harrowing depictions of heroic defeat and the vanities of existence on the Middle-Earth. Attention to the poem's literary heritage (in Latin and Norse) and its layered pagan and Christian perspectives reveals an amalgamated Christian heroic ethos. [Readings in Old or Modern English]

When Offered Spring.

Breadth Requirement (HB)
Distribution Category (LA-AS)

Comments May be used as one of the three pre-1800 courses required of English majors.

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Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Combined with: ENGL 6120MEDVL 3120MEDVL 6120

  • 4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  5082 ENGL 3120   SEM 101