Author Archives: Mo Pareles

I would suggest reading the Elder (Poetic) Edda excerpts after the Prose Edda excerpt. Included in the Elder Edda PDF are: Andy Orchard’s introduction to the volume (helpful and interesting) Völuspá: The prophecy of the seeress (a well-known poem describing the … Continue reading →

Q: How many points did I receive for my reading response? A: You received 25 points for an A, 20 for a B, or 15 for a C. Course assignments and requirements are worth a total of 100 points.

One of the readings for tomorrow is the fire episode from Njáls saga. It can be difficult to jump into this long saga in the middle, so please consult Robert Cook’s introduction and timeline (which I have also scanned for you). The action properly starts … Continue reading →

Check out the Staffordshire Hoard here (more images here) and some great images from Sutton Hoo here.

Because we had no class on Thursday, we’ll be discussing the medieval North (readings from Ibn-Fadlan and the Land of Darkness) on Tuesday 2/7. Our Seas unit will begin Thursday 2/9 with a discussion of the relevant Beowulf passages and The Seafarer. All other lectures … Continue reading →

For those of you reading the Alaimo, here are some of Claire Nouvian’s photos of deep sea life. Look at the gallery; it’s nuts.

For this coming Tuesday (1/24), read the Beowulf, Blickling, and Alaimo. (The Alaimo is highly recommended, but not required.) For next Tuesday (1/31), read the Ibn-Fadlan material (not actually by Ibn-Fadlan but by several other medieval geographers who have been … Continue reading →

I am reading and enjoying your first reading responses. I enjoy marking them less. A number of reputable studies have shown that extrinsic motivators like grades do not promote learning terribly well. Because grades are not optional at UBC or … Continue reading →

Here’s the final schedule. You will find the final updated syllabus, and all other documents labeled “web,” on Connect. I link directly here to readings available on the Internet. COURSE SCHEDULE Week 1 (1/3, 1/5):      Ecocriticism Required Reading: Robert Dale … Continue reading →

As the most devious minds amongst you have no doubt worked out, there is nothing to stop you from submitting BOTH reading responses before the midterm. If you are light on work and keen to get on top of things … Continue reading →