Description and Objectives

This course will explore that unique medieval genre known Íslendinga sögur or Icelandic family sagas. These are stories that focus usually on one family and one region of 10th and 11th century Iceland. Written centuries before the development of the novel, these sagas anticipate many of the features of that genre: complex and multiple characters, multi-level plots, and serious consideration of ideas. The course will give the students an appreciation for the literature that has inspired many subsequent authors, from Longfellow to Tolkien to C. S. Lewis to George R.R. Martin and more.

Reading, in-class discussion, and writing both in and out of class will help each student to grow in literary acumen overall and in the specifics of the matters that the books explore.

Textbooks

Njal’s Saga

The Sagas of the Icelanders

Films, poems and guest speakers will be part of the mix.

Course Requirements

Quarter Grade=(Quiz Average x .3) + (Test Average x .7). Whatever resultant number is will be the grade you get( with possible extra credit points in one point increments as applicable).

• Expect one quiz per week.
• Expect a test at the completion of each book.
• Assigned essays(summer book report included) are weighted as test grades.
• Extra credit opportunities, to include “pull-ups for points,” will be made available to the needy student.
• Due work is due at the start of class.
• Late work will be penalized.
• Read with a pen in hand to mark sections that cause questions or that catch your attention.
• Seek help if you need it. My door is almost always open.

Successful Students

Successful students will arrive on time and will remain attentive through our text-based classroom discussions, contributing frequently to the dialogue. They will zealously prepare themselves for scheduled assessments and essay assignments.