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DEPARTMENT OF MODERN LANGUAGES
AND CULTURAL STUDIES
www.mlcs.ca
2014 SCAND 341 A1: Old Norse Mythology and Legends
(Fall Term)
Time: TR 11:00am-12:20pm
Instructor: Dr Natalie Van Deusen
Office: Arts 316-D
Telephone: (no office phones)
TA: Mansoureh Modarres
Office: Arts 317-C
Telephone: (no office phones)
Place: V 103
E-mail: vandeuse@ualberta.ca
Office Hours: TR 10:00am-11:00am or by appt.
Fax: 780-492-9106
E-mail: modarres@ualberta.ca
Office Hours: TBA or by appointment
Fax: 780-492-9106
Course Website: eClass and https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/scand341/
Course Prerequisite: None
Course-based Ethics Approval in place regarding all research projects that involve human
testing, questionnaires, etc.?
oYes
þ No, not needed, no such projects involved
Community Service Learning component
o Required o Optional þ None
Past or Representative Evaluative Course Material Available
o Exam registry – Students’ Union
http://www.su.ualberta.ca/services_and_businesses/services/infolink/exams
o See explanations below
þ Document distributed in class
o Other (please specify)
o NA
Additional mandatory Instructional fees (approved by Board of Governors)
☐ Yes
þ No
Course Description and Objectives:
This course provides an introduction to the religious beliefs, mythology, and legends of
pre-Christian Scandinavia. It examines literature of the period from ca. 900-1250, which
deals with these subjects. It also covers modern retellings of Old Norse myth and legend,
specifically Neil Gaiman’s American Gods and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Legend of Sigurd
and Gudrún.
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Texts:*
E = Snorri Sturluson, The Prose Edda, trans. Jesse Byock. Penguin Classics (2005).
P = The Poetic Edda, ed. and trans. Carolyne Larrington. Oxford University Press
(2009).
L = Lindow, John. Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs.
Oxford University Press (2001).
A = Neil Gaiman, American Gods
V = The Saga of the Volsungs, trans. Jesse L. Byock. Penguin Classics (2000).
T = J.R.R. Tolkien, The Saga of Sigurd and Gudrún
Articles and excerpts on eClass (indicated by *)
*You may use electronic (Kindle, iBooks, etc.) versions of these books as long as the
translations are the same. However, only printed materials will be allowed in open-book
exams.
Grade Distribution (see “Explanatory Notes”):
Attendance
Pop quizzes*
Mid-term examination (October 30)
Term paper** (due November 27)
Final examination (December 10, 9:00a)
5%
10%
25%
30%
30%
Date of Deferred Final Exam (if applicable): Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Explanatory notes on Assignments:
* To ensure consistent student attendance, preparedness, and participation there will be
six pop (i.e. unannounced) quizzes throughout the semester. The lowest quiz score will be
dropped.
** The format of the term paper will be addressed during the second week of classes.
Required Notes:
“Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University calendar.”
Academic Integrity:
“The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and
honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty
and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to
familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at
http://www.governance.ualberta.ca/en/CodesofConductandResidenceCommunityStandards/Cod
eofStudentBehaviour.aspx ) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in
suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence.
Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the
University.”
Learning and Working Environment:
The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring all students; faculty and staff are able to study and
work in an environment safe and free of discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate
behaviour that undermines that environment. The Department urges anyone who feels this
policy has been or is being violated to:
•
Discuss the matter with the person whose behaviour is causing concern; or
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•
If that discussion is unsatisfactory, or there is concern that directs discussion is
inappropriate or threatening, discuss it with the Chair of the Department.
For additional advice or assistance regarding this policy you may contact the student
ombudservice (http://www.ombudservice.ualberta.ca/ ).
Information about the University of Alberta Discrimination and Harassment Policy and
Procedures is described in UAPPOL at
https://policiesonline.ualberta.ca/PoliciesProcedures/Pages/DispPol.aspx?PID=110
Academic Honesty:
All students should consult the information provided by the Office of Judicial Affairs
(http://www.osja.ualberta.ca/Students.aspx ) and the Academic Integrity Undergraduate
Handbook (http://www.osja.ualberta.ca/en/Students/UndergraduateHandbook.aspx ) regarding
the definitions of plagiarism and its consequences when detected. If in doubt about what is
permitted in this class, ask the instructor.
Students involved in language courses and translation courses should be aware that on-line
“translation engines” produce very dubious and unreliable “translations.” Students in
languages courses should be aware that, while seeking the advice of native or expert speakers is
often helpful, excessive editorial and creative help in assignments is considered a form of
“cheating” that violates the code of student conduct with dire consequences.
An instructor or coordinator who is convinced that a student has handed in work that he or she
could not possibly reproduce without outside assistance is obliged, out of consideration of
fairness to other students, to report the case to the Associate Dean of the Faculty. See the
Academic Discipline Process (http://www.osja.ualberta.ca/TheDisciplineProcess.aspx )
Recording of Lectures:
Audio or video recording of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by
students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an
approved accommodation plan. Recorded material is to be used solely for personal study, and is
not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the
instructor.
Attendance, Absences, and Missed Grade Components:
Regular attendance is essential for optimal performance in any course. In cases of potentially
excusable absences due to illness or domestic affliction, notify your instructor by e-mail within
two days. Regarding absences that may be excusable and procedures for addressing course
components missed as a result, consult sections 23.3(1) )
http://www.registrar.ualberta.ca/calendar/Regulations-and-Information/AcademicRegulation/23.3.html#23.3 ) and 23.5.6 (http://www.registrar.ualberta.ca/calendar/Regulationsand-Information/Academic-Regulation/23.5.html#23.5) of the University Calendar. Be aware
that unexcused absences will result in partial or total loss of the grade for the “attendance and
participation” component(s) of a course, as well as for any assignments that are not handed-in or
completed as a result.
In this course attendance is required in order for the student to get full benefit from the
course, and counts for 5% of the final grade. Attendance will be monitored by a daily
sign-up sheet.
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Out of respect for the instructor and other students wanting to learn, texting and other cell
phone use is not allowed in the classroom.
Policy for Late Assignments:
Students who consult in advance with an instructor regarding contingencies preventing
the timely completion of an assignment may, at the discretion of the instructor, be granted
an extension. Otherwise, assignments may be handed in with a 2%-per-class-day penalty
assessed for each subsequent class-day of lateness.
Specialized Support & Disability Services:
If you have special needs that could affect your performance in this class, please inform your
instructor during the first week of the term so that appropriate arrangements can be made. If you
are not already registered with Specialized Support & Disability Services, contact their office
immediately (2-800 SUB; email ssdsrec@ualberta.ca; phone 780-492-3381; WEB
www.ssds.ualberta.ca).
Grading:
Marks for assignments, tests, and exams are given in percentages, to which letter grades are also
assigned, according to the table below (“MLCS Undergraduate Grading Scale”). The
percentage mark resulting from the entire term work and examination then produces the final
letter grade for the course.
“MLCS Undergraduate Grading Scale”
Letter
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
%
Pts Descriptor
95-100% 4.0 Outstanding: Superior performance showing understanding and
knowledge of the subject matter far exceeding expectations.
90-94%
4.0 Excellent: Superior performance showing comprehensive understanding
of subject matter.
86-89% 3.7 Very good: Clearly above average performance with complete
knowledge of subject matter.
82-85% 3.3 Very good
75-81% 3.0 Good: average performance with knowledge of subject matter generally
complete.
70-74% 2.7 Good
66-69% 2.3 Satisfactory: Basic understanding of the subject matter
61-65% 2.0 Satisfactory
58-60% 1.7 Satisfactory
55-57% 1.3 Minimal Pass: Marginal performance; generally insufficient preparation
for subsequent courses in the subject matter.
50-54% 1.0 Minimal Pass: Marginal performance; generally insufficient preparation
for subsequent courses in the subject matter.
0-49%
0.0 Fail: Unsatisfactory performance or failure to meet course requirements.
Note: Bursaries of $150.00 will be provided by the Norwegian service club Sons of NorwayTorskeklubben to students who have successfully completed a Scandinavian course (incl.
SCAND 341) with a minimum grade of B-.
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COURSE SCHEDULE
Introduction
Sept. 4:
The Geography and Languages of Northern Europe
(No reading assignment)
Sept. 9:
L, pp. 1-38 (Introduction)
Sept. 11:
*Tacitus, Germania; E, pp. 3-8 (Prologue)
Creation and the Pantheon
Sept. 16:
P, pp. 3-13 (The Seeress’s Prophecy)
E, pp. 9-53 (Gylfaginning, chs. 1-43)
[L, pp. 317-318 (Völuspá)]1
Sept. 18:
Odin
Sept. 23:
Sept. 25:
P, 246-252 (The List of Rig)
[L, pp. 260-261 (Rígsthula)]
L, pp. 247-252 (Odin)
P, pp. 14-38 (Sayings of the High One), 39-49 (Vafthrudnir’s Sayings), 50-60
(Grimnir’s Sayings)
[L, pp. 150-151 (Grímnismál), 164-165 (Hávamál), 304-307 (Vafthrúdnismál)
*Odin and Human Sacrifice, The Temple at Uppsala
E, pp. 83-86 (Skaldskaparmal, ch. 2)
[L, pp. 224-227 (Mead of Poetry)]
Thor and Loki
Sept. 30:
L, pp. 287-291 (Thor)
E, pp. 53-65 (Gylfaginning, ch. 44-48), 86-89 (Skaldskaparmal, ch. 3)
P, pp. 78-83 (Hymir’s Poem), pp. 97-101 (Thrym’s Poem), 109-113 (All-Wise’s
Sayings)
[L, pp. 56-57 (Alvíssmál), 185-186 (Hrungnir), 189-191 (Hymir), 191-193
(Hymiskvida), pp. 293-296 (Thrymskvida), 302-304 (Útgarda-Loki)]
Oct. 2:
L, pp. 216-220 (Loki)
P, pp. 84-96 (Loki’s Quarrel)
E, pp. 90-94 (Skaldskaparmal, chs. 4-5)
[L, pp. 214-216 (Lokasenna), 137-138 (Geirröd)]
Gods of Fertility; the Enigmatic Gods; Gods of the Sea
Oct. 7:
L, pp. 121-126 (Frey), 126-128 (Freya)
P, pp. 61-68 (Skirnir’s Journey)
E, pp. 80-83 (Skaldskaparmal, ch. 1)
[L, pp. 138-139 (Gerd), 198-199 (Idun)]
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Square brackets ([ ]) indicate optional, but strongly recommended, reading.
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Oct. 9:
L, pp. 167-172 (Heimdall), 258-259 (Rán)
E, pp. 108-118 (Poetic References)
Baldr and Ragnarök
Oct. 14:
L, pp. 65-69 (Baldr), 254-258 (Ragnarök)
P, pp. 3-13 (The Seeress’s Prophecy), 243-245 (Baldr’s Dreams)
E, pp. 65-79 (Gylfaginning, chs. 49-55)
[L, 70-71 (Baldrs draumar)]
The Norse Gods in Modern Literature: American Gods
Oct. 16:
A, Part One; paper proposals due
Oct. 21:
A, Part Two
Oct. 23:
A, Parts Three and Four
Review and Midterm
Oct. 28:
(No reading assignment. Please come prepared with questions for review)
Oct. 30:
Midterm exam
Heroic Epic
Nov. 4:
P, pp. 114-141 (The Lays of Helgi)
Nov. 6:
V, pp. 33-55
Nov. 11:
REMEMBRANCE DAY – NO CLASS
Nov. 13:
V, pp. 55-75
P, pp. 151-173 (Lay of Regin – Lay of Sigrdrifa)
Nov. 18:
V, pp. 75-93
P, pp. 174-194 (Fragment of a Poem about Sigurd – Brynhild’s Ride to Hell)
Nov. 20:
V, pp. 93-109
P, pp. 195-242 (The Death of the Niflungs – Lay of Hamdir)
Heroic Epic in Modern Literature: J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún
Nov. 25:
T, Upphaf-IV
Nov. 27:
T, V-IX; papers due
Conclusion and Review
Dec. 2:
(No reading assignment. Please come prepared with questions for review)
FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, December 10, 9:00am
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