This lecture provides a survey of the literature of Anglo-Saxon England from the earliest written sources from ca. 700 until the first decades after the Norman Conquest of 1066. In comparison to the other Germanic languages at the time, evidence for Old English is extremely rich and manifold. There are various genres, both religious and secular, which are not only written in prose, but also comprise a large amount of poems, amongst others the heroic epic Beowulf as well as riddles. The texts presented in this lecture are examined within their cultural context, taking into account also the historical background and their transmission in manuscript form.
The main assessment factor for the successful passing of this lecture will be a
final examination, the date and form of which depends on the respective modules. Regular participation
in all sessions is strongly advised.
S. B. Greenfield and D. G. Calder, A New Critical History of Old English Literature (New York and London, 1986).
