L00932D - MEDIEVAL GERMANIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

courses
ID:
L00932D
Duration (hours):
36
CFU:
6
SSD:
FILOLOGIA GERMANICA
Located in:
PESCARA
Url:
FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES/CORSO GENERICO Year: 3
Year:
2025
Course Catalogue:
https://unich.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/af/2025?co...

Overview

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (01/10/2025 - 15/01/2026)

Syllabus

Course Objectives


This course contributes to the learning goals of the L11 programme by providing students with literary, philological and cultural tools to approach medieval Germanic texts. In particular, it fosters:

the ability to analyse narrative and poetic texts in translation, with attention to linguistic, thematic and stylistic aspects;
the development of a comparative approach to medieval heroic literature across Germanic traditions;
critical awareness of how Germanic myths shaped European cultural memory.

In addition, the seminar-based activities (presentations, essays, discussions) are designed to enhance a range of transferable skills (soft skills) essential for both academic and professional development, including:

effective public speaking and use of disciplinary terminology;
developing and articulating a coherent critical thesis;
autonomous bibliographic research and critical source selection;
teamwork and collaboration, with shared responsibilities and planning;
active listening, peer feedback, and intellectual flexibility in group discussions.

Course Prerequisites


No previous knowledge of ancient Germanic languages is required. A general familiarity with narrative/poetic analysis and literary history is recommended.

Teaching Methods


Traditional lectures. Use of slides/PowerPoint. Material provided on a computer platform. If possible, the assignment of term papers/presentations will be the subject of further debates in class.


Lectures with bilingual reading support

Class discussions and seminars on selected topics

Guided textual analysis

Optional reading laboratory (for attending students)

Assessment Methods


Final oral exam, graded on a scale of 30.
The exam will include:

discussion of at least three primary texts;
one comparative topic;
questions on the critical readings.

Evaluation criteria:

understanding and critical analysis of texts;
clarity of presentation and use of appropriate vocabulary;
ability to identify thematic and structural links between works

Texts


Bibliography (International students may ask for an alternative bibliography in English or German)
Mandatory readings (to be studied in full for the final exam):

Laura Mancinelli (a cura di), I Nibelunghi. Einaudi, Torino, qualsiasi edizione;
Ludovica Koch (a cura di), La Saga dei Völsunghi. Qualsiasi edizione;
Piergiuseppe Scardigli (a cura di), Il Canzoniere Eddico. Qualsiasi edizione
Giorgio Dolfini (a cura di), Edda di Snorri. Qualsiasi edizione
Saggi critici (forniti in dispensa dal docente). -Academic essays provided by the instructor via course materials and e-learning platform.

Contents


Heroes and Legends: The Nibelung-Volsung Matter in Medieval Germanic Literatures
This course offers an introduction to the Nibelungian-Volsungian subject, exploring three of the main literary works that are part of it: the Nibelungenlied (Middle High German poem of the thirteenth century), the Völsunga Saga (prose story in Old Norse, thirteenth century) and the Poetic Edda (collection of epic poems in Old Norse, thirteenth century). These texts contain motifs that are crucial to medieval Germanic literature and have strongly influenced European literary and artistic culture up to the present day. Germanic epic focuses heavily on heroes such as Siegfried, whose heroic acts, such as defeating the dragon and conquering the treasure, are central to the narratives. Relationships between characters often generate dramatic conflicts that contribute to the narrative's complexity. Germanic epic mixes pagan mythological elements (such as dragons and magical treasures) with Christian influences, reflecting the cultural and religious transition during the medieval period. Students will analyse these texts in Italian translation, focusing mainly on the figure of Siegfried, a central hero in these narratives. Through a comparative study of the three works, key moments in Siegfried's life will be examined, including the defeat of the dragon and the conquest of the treasure, the mysterious relationship with Brunhilde, his marriage to the Burgundian princess Crimilde/Guđrun, and the tragic death of the hero.

Course Language


Italian. International students may request an explanation and an alternative bibliography in English or German.


More information


Other material and information on the moodle page of the course.

Degrees

Degrees

FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES 
Bachelor’s Degree
3 years
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