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OLD NORSE LITERATURE: SAGA
SITES IN ICELAND
Old Norse
Literature: Saga Sites in Iceland presents students with
the opportunity to explore the world of the medieval
Icelandic sagas over Spring Break in 2010
(March 12, 2010 - March 19, 2010). Students
will get a sense of Viking Age culture in the North
Atlantic, steeped in myth, that provides the context for
some of the earliest prose narratives (the sagas)
produced in Western Europe. The Norse first settled
Iceland in the 10th century, converted to
Christianity in 1000 C.E., and quickly established the
first “parliament” of sorts, the foundation of a
still-thriving modern democracy with one of the highest
standards of living in the world. Students will have
the opportunity to hear the Viking language, today
called Icelandic, while touring the capital city of
Reykjavik; more importantly, they will make excursions
into the surrounding countryside to experience the
profound natural beauty of this volcanic island nation,
and stand precisely in the spots once trodden by the
historical figures detailed in the literature like Erik
the Red and his son, Leif Eriksson, the first non-native
to set foot on the North American continent.
CLASS:
Students
will receive four credits for ENGL 349: Old
Norse Literature in Translation. The course will be
offered over the entire spring semester. During spring
break the class will travel together to Iceland to
experience first-hand the land of the great myths and
sagas of the Norse tradition within the context of a
course that surveys northern European literature from
the pagan era through the Middle Ages. Students will
read and study
representative literary works deriving from the Northern
Germanic pre-Christian medieval tradition of the Vikings
who spoke and wrote in Old Norse. Our study will also
include reading about and discussing aspects of medieval
Scandinavian history, culture and archaeology
specifically relating to the marauders and colonizers
called the Norsemen. This course especially
concentrates on Viking mythography and the saga
literature of Iceland.
Supporting materials derive from archaeology, folklore
and popular culture. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or 103.
Meets General Education requirement IB.
EXCURSIONS:
Among the important saga sites that students will visit
are Thingvellir (the “assembly plain”), the
birthplace of Icelandic democracy more than a millennium
ago, and Skalholt, the oldest bishopric on the
island. Also of significance is the archaeological
excavation of a farmstead and chapel at Mosfell
believed to be the burial place of the hero of Iceland's
earliest saga, that of Egil Skallagrimsson. All sites on
the itinerary of excursions are to be found in the
southwest quadrant of the island. There will also be
excursions to the many natural wonders of the "land of
fire and ice," from glaciers and fjords to geysers, hot
springs, and spectacular waterfalls.
HOUSING:
Students will be housed in three star tourist hotels and
student hostels throughout their stay in Iceland. All
housing is included in the program costs.
COST:
TBA.
Final costs will be determined in fall 2009. The price
will include all tuition, round-trip airfare, room and
board in Iceland, all travel within Iceland, and
international health insurance. Costs not included in
the program fee are passport fees, costs for personal
items purchased in Iceland, and some miscellaneous
expenses. US citizens do not need visas to visit
Iceland. Passports, which are required, must be valid
for three months beyond the end of the intended stay.
DEPOSIT
AND PAYMENT INFORMATION: An initial deposit of $250
is due at the time of application. This deposit is part
of the total advertised cost of the program. Once the
faculty director academically admits a student, the
initial non-refundable deposit is due to the Cashier’s
Office. The student will be automatically enrolled into
the study abroad course. The University Billing Office
will then bill each registered student for the total
cost of the study abroad program (less the deposit
amount) through the regular university billing
system. Standard university deadlines for withdrawals do
not apply to study abroad programs. Once the
published Application Deadline occurs, the accepted
student is responsible for the entire amount of the
study abroad program charge.
APPLICATION
INFORMATION:
Application
forms are available at the Center for International
Education or from the faculty director. Completed
application forms are currently being accepted by the
faculty director or by the Center for International
Education. Students should also submit a completed
faculty recommendation form from a faculty member who
knows the student well.
Recommendation Form Available Here Admission is competitive and
enrollment is very limited. Students will be admitted on
a rolling basis until the program is full. The
application deadline is December 1, 2009. All questions
concerning the program should be addressed to the
program director:
Dr. T. Ross
Leasure
Department of English
Phone: 410-677-5009, e-mail:
trleasure@salisbury.edu
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