German 497 is an introduction to the Old Saxon language (its phonology,
morphology, and syntax) and to Old Saxon literature. Our
focus this semester will be on the Heliand, a Germanic version
of the Christian Gospels.
We meet F, 1:25
- 2:15pm, in Herter.
(Campus
Map.)
We
will be using:
James E. Cathey, ed. Heliand: Text and Commentary. West
Virginia University Press, 2002.
I will provide handouts and links to PDFs.
The
book is available at Amherst
Books on Main Street in downtown Amherst.
We
begin with an introduction to the language as we translate.
You must be
competent in the fundamentals of German grammar.
We will discuss various aspects of the language's syntax, morphology,
phonology,
and history. This will continue throughout the course. We will
also translate and discuss the Heliand, and discuss
briefly the culture of Late Antiquity and the Early Middle
Ages in order to contextualize the Old Saxon texts.
Attendence
is very strongly encouraged. You are responsible for nothing–no
quizzes, no tests, nada.
There
is not a midterm exam, nor a final exam, nor many
quizzes.
No papers, no deadlines. Zilch. Null. Nichts.
You will not
be graded, examined, tested, or inquired after.
I am usually
to be found in my office Wednesdays during my office
hours. (Please let me know beforehand if you want to meet.)
Otherwise, please make an appointment to meet with me at a time
convenient to you and I will try to oblige.
Each
author's ideas, words, and phrasing are his or her own. If
you reproduce them without due recognition, then you have committed
plagiarism. Plagiarism earns the harshest punishment our university
can offer. If you have any question whatsoever about whether
you might be committing plagiarism, please consult me immediately.
On the whole, the university expects you to act and write with
the highest degree of integrity. For more information, consult
your handbook or the pages in this site devoted to plagiarism
(see "Resources").
NOTE 1: The
schedule of this course is subject to change. It is not to be
construed as a substitute for your attendance or as a catalogue
of all the information for which you are responsible. All changes
will be announced beforehand.
NOTE 2: All
material pertaining to this course is copyrighted
material.
NOTE 3:
See Note 4.
NOTE 4: There
is no note 4. |