This is the home of English 401 and English 403, University of Calgary courses in the Old English language and Old English literature constructed by Murray McGillivray. English 401 and 403 are offered as Internet-based courses. Students who register in the Internet versions of the courses do not need to be on the University of Calgary campus at any time, so the courses can be "attended" from anywhere in the world where there is an Internet connection.

What is Old English?

Old English is the name given to the germanic language spoken in the southern part of the island of Britain before the Norman Conquest in 1066 c.e. (and for about 100 years after the Conquest). This language is the ancestor of the Modern English spoken today, although it is quite different in appearance and sound at first glance.

Why Learn Old English?

Students have reported that they enjoy being given a window on the past, an enhanced understanding of language in general and of English in particular, and a taste of a literary culture that is quite different from what they encounter in literature courses on more recent periods. They also frequently find the sheer challenge of the course different from their other experiences at university, and worthwhile in itself.

|[ Course Information ]|[ Lessons ]|[ Texts ]|[ Grammar ]|[ Credit Exercises ]|[ Links ]|

|[ Site Index ]|