Reading Beowulf
A guided readings course covering Beowulf in its entirety as well as related Old Germanic texts. Covering roughly 600 lines in each session, learn all the tools and background needed to understand this monumental text.
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)
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.
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.
“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.”