• Course begins July 19, 2025

  • Live 90-minute sessions with the instructor every week

  • Sessions start at 12:00pm Eastern U.S. Time (5:00pm BST)

More About This Course

In this course we will read a representative selection of the earliest English literature in translation. From runic inscriptions to the classic Beowulf, the rich biblical epics of the Junius manuscript, and the playful Old English riddles, this course will cover some of the most important and interesting literary works from early medieval England.

 

Each week we will read, analyze, and discuss a selection of texts and passages. Discussion is key, but the sessions will include short mini-lectures that provide context, along with all the tools, background, and guidance needed to understand the set texts.  

Meet Your Instructor

John J. Gallagher

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 Medievalists.net, the University of St Andrews, University College Dublin, and the Orthodox Academy of Crete.

“John is a fabulous and knowledgeable lecturer, but this format (discussion structured) allowed us to share our ideas.”

“The conversational nature of the class with John as our teacher and moderator made this course really fun and stimulating.”

“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.”