• Six sessions starting March 8, 2025

  • Live 90-minute sessions with the instructor every week

  • Sessions start at 1:00pm Eastern U.S. Time (6:00pm GMT)

More About This Course

No previous knowledge of Old English is required. All material will be read in translation. 

The course is open to all, from complete novices who are curious about Beowulf and are reading it for the first time to more seasoned readers who know the text well. 

The course will be accessible, informal, and emphasize discussion.

The reading group format requires that you come to each class having read the allocated lines.

Meet Your Instructor


Dr. John Gallagher researches and teaches Old English and related North Sea literatures and languages, including Old Saxon, Old Norse-Icelandic, and Latin, among others. John has taught various courses on Old English and medieval literature for the University of St. Andrews, University College Dublin, the Orthodox Academy of Crete, and Medievalists.net. 

What John's students say

“John Joseph Gallagher is an absolute God send! He is professional, knowledgeable, genuine and engaging.”

“John is an excellent teacher; his lectures were always interesting, and his personal and patient way of engaging with students showed his dedication to teaching.”

“I was thrilled to be in Dr. Gallagher’s class. The provided materials were fascinating and ones I wouldn’t have encountered on my own.”