VMS4100 ¨C Philological theory and Method

Course content

Philology is the study of written historical sources. It is commonly defined as the study of literary texts and written records, the establishment of their authenticity and their original form, and the determination of their meaning. The aim of this course is to give insight into theories and methods related to Old Norse and Celtic philology, with their relevant Latin background. Theoretical and methodological questions are discussed with reference to relevant textual material. Concrete cases are mainly taken from Old Norse, since all programme students have studied some Old Norse. Towards the end of the course, focus moves from the critical treatment of text in a philological sense to the critical evaluation of their content from a historical perspective. Such perspectives may contribute to the evaluation of the meaning and reliability of texts.

Learning outcome

The students will become acquainted with the philological toolbox and its uses. They will have an understanding of the methodological options for reconstructing the archetypal form of a text, which changes a text has undergone, the branches of transmission, and criteria that allow us to date texts. Based on current methods and theory, they will be able to discuss philological problems and questions, and they will be acquainted with different philological schools of thought. They will be able to relate these philological perspectives to the methods and approaches of historians.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with NFI4104 ¨C Filologisk teori og metode (discontinued).

Teaching

The teaching is given in 14 double lectures and seminars. Teaching takes place throughout the semester.

One qualifying assignment and an optional reading list have to be approved before the student may sit for the final examination.

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.

Examination

The final examination is a three-day take-home exam.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.