GERMANIC PHILOLOGY 1 MOD. 2

This module contributes to the development of critical and analytical skills through the study of the major characteristics of some Germanic languages as well as with the dynamics of transmission of texts in medieval manuscript culture. The module is entirely taught in English.

Student Learning Objectives (SLO):
To acquire knowledge and understanding in advanced topics of Germanic Philology and Linguistics, also in a comparative perspective, by being exposed to both the current theoretical debate and its applications in the field of Germanic Philology. This knowledge and understanding will be founded upon and will extend that typically associated with the first cycle; it will also provide a basis for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context;
To apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader contexts related to Germanic Comparative Linguistics, as well as Germanic Philology (e.g. textual criticism and literary reading skills applied to Germanic medieval texts);
To have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgments with incomplete or limited information about their object of study (this is a typical situation in the philological field). The ability to formulate judgements will include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge (e.g. the educational and social impact of philological studies);
To be able to communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously, using the appropriate language register;
To be able to represent course content organically and critically consult reference texts;
To acquire the learning skills that should allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed or autonomous (e.g. through individual independent reading on philological issues, as well as practice exercises on linguistic theories, models and forms).

No specific prerequisites are required. The basic notions necessary to tackle the main topics listed in the content section (see below) will be provided by the teacher at the beginning of the course. However, students are reminded that this is an advanced MA course, so the teaching will be organized in regular lectures combined with team as well as independent work.

A) Advanced topics of Middle English romance, also from a comparative perspective (Middle English vs other Germanic and Romance traditions).
B) Discussion of specific case-studies, namely "The Tale of Gamelyn", "Sir Cleges" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight".

Compulsory readings:
PART A) Wittig, Susan. 2014. Stylistic and Narrative Structures in the Middle English Romances. Austin, University of Texas Press.
van Gelderen, Elly. 2014. A History of the English language. John Benjamins Publishing Company. Chapter 6 “Middle English”.
PART B) https://metseditions.org/texts/KZbjbb1FqvNh53EuGAqzuY523yGMdB , https://metseditions.org/texts/gNYdvkXAUllY4FDMjh9jvAF3x7jXzeZq , https://metseditions.org/texts/KYglZyx2swkZs534iG21aczlr0eWDw3
Materials uploaded onto the moodle classroom.

Reference bibliography for the team work:
Middle English Dictionary online, https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/middle-english-dictionary/dictionary , Michigan University.
Students who are not able to attend classes are kindly asked to contact the lecturer in order to receive further bibliographic indications about supplementary materials.

The written exam consists in four (4) open questions and lasts 90 minutes. Each question/exercise is assigned a specific score for a total of 30/30 (L).
More specifically, content questions will examine the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, while practice questions will assess the application of knowledge and understanding. Methodological questions will assess critical thinking and ability of making judgements. Open questions moreover allow checking communication and learning skills (i.e. whether students communicate their conclusions clearly and unambiguously, and are able to motivate critically their own conclusions).

written

A. scores between 18 and 22 will be awarded in the presence of sufficient knowledge of the main phenomena related to the analysis of Medieval Romance and sufficient skills in the philological and critical investigation of the texts presented during the course.
B. scores between 23 and 26 will be awarded in the presence of a fair knowledge of the main phenomena related to the analysis of Medieval Romance and fair skills in the philological and critical investigation of the texts presented during the course.
C. scores between 27 and 30 will be awarded in the presence of good or very good knowledge of the main phenomena related to the analysis of Medieval Romance and good or very good skills in the philological and critical investigation of the texts presented during the course.
D. honours will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge of the main phenomena related to the analysis of Medieval Romance and excellent skills in the philological and critical investigation of the texts presented during the course.

Lectures, teacher-led discussions, team work.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development