In this seminar we will survey the history of Old Norse poetry, placing it in the context of the vernacular theories of poetics contained in the Edda of Snorri Sturluson and the Old Norse grammatical literature. Participants will learn the skills needed to read and analyze Old Norse poetic texts (eddic, skaldic, rímur) and gain detailed knowledge of the Old Norse poetic corpus and the history of research into it.

Texts:
Margaret Clunies Ross, A history of Old Norse poetry and poetics (Woodbridge: Brewer, 2005). ISBN 978-1843842798.

Additional texts will be supplied on bcourses.

Prerequisites: At least one semester of Old Norse language, or consent of instructor.

Workload: each session will include a short informal presentation of class material by one or more course participants.

Final research paper (20-25 pg.), due at end of semester.