Dungeons Dragons & Dwarfs

Spring 2016 GEW 4930 Dungeons Dragons & Dwarfs – Germanic Myth in Popular Culture

Dept. of World Languages in the College of Arts & Sciences

Instructor: Dr. Margit Grieb Term: Spring 2016 Office: CPR 409 Class Meeting Days: T & R Phone: N/A Class Meeting Hours: 12:30-1:45pm E-Mail: [email protected] Class Location: BSN 1402 Website: http://languages.usf.edu/people/mgrieb/ Office Hours: T & R 2-3pm Course materials: see below and on Canvas

I. Course Description: This course explores historical, literary and visual (re)constructions and adaptations of Germanic mythology and history from antiquity to the present. We will study historical accounts and epic tales (e.g. Tacitus’ Germania, the Nibelungenlied, the Prose Edda, Beowulf, etc.) chronicling various Germanic tribal cultures and traditions, as well as analyze recent films and television shows that have adapted and re-interpreted these traditions and accounts for a contemporary audience. We will discuss why these themes are still (or again) relevant in contemporary society and examine how particular films (e.g. Beowulf, Lord of the Rings, etc.) and television series (e.g. The Dragon King, Games of Thrones, The Vikings, etc.) have interpreted the source material to appeal to aesthetic and cultural tastes of the present. The Romans, scribes in the High Middle Ages, the Romantics, and the Nazis, among others, took an interest in and coopted Germanic traditions and therefore constitute important cornerstones in the history of reception. In recent years films and television series that rework Germanic myth and history have enjoyed much popular and also critical success. In addition to fictional adaptation, we will view documentaries on historical peoples and eras, and examine operatic performances, paintings, sculptures, and architecture. Films are screened outside class time (available on Canvas). Non-English-language works are read in translation and foreign films are screened with English subtitles/intertitles. II. Attendance Policy Attendance is mandatory and counts as part of your final grade. Any absence, regardless of cause, in excess of missing two class periods (3 contact hours) will result in the lowering of the final grade by 2 points per extra absence (except for documented extraordinary circumstances), in addition to significantly lowering attendance and participation grade. Please save your absences for actual sick days or emergencies. General information on attendance: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/GeneralAttendance.pdf. Students who anticipate being absent from class due to the observation of a major religious observance must provide notice of the date(s) to the instructor, in writing, by the 3rd class meeting (http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/ReligiousDays.pdf). III. Learning Outcomes At the end of this course students will be able to:  Identify the most important texts (visual & literary) that are both the foundation for and manifestation of contemporary interest in Germanic myth, epic tales, and folklore. 1

 Illustrate the historical and aesthetic significance of literary and filmic texts based on Germanic mythology and history (from the Middle Ages to the present).  Analyze and evaluate (in oral and written form) a film, television show, historical or literary text critically.  Apply paradigms of various modern disciplines (e.g. philosophy, history, political science, gender studies, etc.) to reveal how visual and literary narratives and approaches to aesthetics and adaptation reflect cultural and historical trends in society and the arts.  Understand the major artistic, philosophical, historical, and political movements shaping literary, film, and television production in the US and in Europe (e.g. medieval courtly society, Romanticism, National Socialism, the age of the blockbuster, popular culture, rise of cable TV, media globalization, etc.).  Explain the impact of gender, race, and globalization on both the production and reception of literary and filmic texts.

IV. Course Objectives:  Explore historical, literary and visual (re)constructions and adaptations of Germanic mythology and history from antiquity to the present (historical accounts and epic tales)  Study various Germanic tribal cultures and traditions  Analyze recent films and television shows that have adapted and re-interpreted Germanic traditions and accounts for a contemporary audience  Study reception of Germanic myth by surveying literary and filmic adaptations as well as various artistic appropriations (e.g. opera, painting, sculpture, etc.) throughout the centuries  Investigate why Germanic themes are still relevant in contemporary society  Examine how particular films and television serials have interpreted Germanic themes material to appeal to aesthetic and cultural tastes of the present.

V. Course Prerequisites None

VI. Course Credits 3

VII. Required Texts and Materials  Gods & Myths of Northern Europe. H.R. Ellis Davidson. Penguin Books. 1963. ISBN: 9780140136272  The Nibelungenlied. Transl. Cyril Edwards. Oxford University Press. 2010. ISBN 0199238545  Nibelungenlied. Transl. A. T. Hatto. Penguin Books. 1965. ISBN: 9780140441376  The Prose Edda. Snorri Sturluson. Penguin Books. 2006. ISBN: 9780140447552  Videos and additional readings are posted on Canvas. Readings include historical texts, e.g. Tacitus’s Germania and Lex Burgundionum (Burgundian Law/Code), as well as excerpts and complete literary texts, e.g. Merseburrger Zaubersprüche, Hildebrandslied, Nibelungenlied, and Beowulf, and theoretical texts on mythology, orality and literacy, and popular culture. This course will utilize USF's learning management system (LMS), Canvas. If you need help learning how to perform various tasks related to this course or other courses being offered in Canvas, please view the following videos or consult the Canvas help guides. You may also contact USF's IT department at (813) 974-1222 or [email protected]. VIII. Basis for Final Grade Assessment Percent of Final Grade Attendance & Participation 15%

Reaction papers 10% Quizzes 25% Mid-Term & Final Exam 50%

100%

IX. Assessment Items: Attendance & Participation (15% of final grade): In addition to being rewarded for regular class attendance, you will be assessed on your active participation in class. In order to achieve 100% in “active participation,” you will need to have read and viewed the materials for class and have prepared answers to questions as well as have informed opinions that contribute in a meaningful and comprehendible manner to classroom discussions. Reaction Papers (10% of final grade): You will compose 2 “reaction papers” addressing pre-selected topics and/or questions pertaining to a particular work assigned in class. Your short essays must be ca. 2 pages, typed, and uploaded to “assignments” in Canvas. They will be checked for plagiarism through “Turnitin” (more on this plagiarism software below). Quizzes (25% of final grade): All quizzes contribute to your grade in this category. Quizzes will be given online and in class. They will cover the reading and viewing assignments. There are no make-up quizzes/exams given except in documented emergencies only. Mid-term & Final Exam (each 25% of final grade): In these two exams you will demonstrate your knowledge of the material covered in class, videos, and the readings. The exams will include multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay responses. The final exam will be administered during the approved University final examination period (http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/FinalExams.pdf). If there is a conflict with the final examination and another course exam you have, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can schedule a make-up exam for you. X. Late Work Policy: Assignments turned in late will be assessed a penalty: a half-letter grade if it is one day late, or a full- letter grade if it is turned in by the next class. No work will be accepted later than the next class day after it was due, e.g. an analysis that is due on Tuesday, cannot be turned in past Thursday.

XI. Extra Credit Policy: There may be an extra credit opportunity during the semester. This extra credit event will be announced in class.

XII. Grades of "Incomplete": The current university policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course and the remaining work can be completed the next semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether you qualify for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished by the end of the subsequent semester or the “I” will automatically be recorded as an “F” on your transcript.

XIII. General Course Policies: Devices in Classroom: You may use a laptop or other device to take notes during class. If you abuse the laptop policy, i.e. use your laptop for non-classroom activities during class time, you will not be able to use the device for the rest of the semester. Cell phones are not allowed in class (no exceptions). Per university policy and classroom etiquette mobile phones, etc. must be silenced during class time. Those not heeding this rule will be asked to leave the classroom immediately so as not to disrupt the learning environment. Professionalism Policy: Please arrive on time for all class meetings. Students who habitually disturb the class by talking, arriving late, etc., and have been warned, may suffer a reduction in their final class grade. End of Semester Student Evaluations: All classes at USF make use of an online system for students to provide feedback to the University regarding the course. These surveys will be made available at the end of the semester, and the University will notify you by email when the response window opens. Your participation is highly encouraged and valued. The results of

3 student feedback are sent to departments and faculty members only after semester grades are already submitted, and student responses are reported only anonymously and in the aggregate to faculty. Academic Integrity of Students: Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. If you are uncertain as to what constitutes academic dishonesty, please consult the University of South Florida's Student Handbook for further details. Please watch the video for a quick overview regarding USF academic integrity. Violations of these rules will result in a record of the infraction being placed in your file and receiving a zero on the work in question AT A MINIMUM. At the instructor’s discretion, you may also receive a failing grade for the course. Confirmation of such incidents can also result in expulsion from the University. More information: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/AcademicIntegrityOfStudents.pdf Disruption of the Academic Process: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/DisruptionOfAcademicProcess.pdf Gender-Based Crimes: Educators must report incidents of gender-based crimes including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, dating violence and domestic violence. If a student discloses in class, in papers, or to an instructor, the instructor is required by law to report the disclosure. The Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention (813-974-5757) is a confidential resource where you can talk about such situations and receive assistance in confidence. Additional confidential resources on campus are: the Counseling Center (813-974-2831) and Student Health Services (813-974-2331) Student Academic Grievance Procedures: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/StudentAcademicGrievanceProcedures.pdf Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities are responsible for registering with Students with Disabilities Services (SDS) in order to receive academic accommodations. SDS encourages students to notify instructors of accommodation needs at least 5 business days prior to needing the accommodation. A letter from SDS must accompany this request. See student responsibilities: http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-disabilities-services/ Turnitin Privacy Policy: In order to comply with privacy laws, students are not required to include personal identifying information, such as name, in the body of the document. Turnitin provides an originality report letting the instructor know how much of the assignment is original. Please follow your instructor's instructions carefully regarding what identifying information to include. How do I submit a Turnitin Assignment? University Emergency Policy: In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Canvas, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It's the responsibility of the student to monitor Canvas site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.

XIV. Schedule (may change during the course of the semester) Date Topic Assignments & Test Dates 01/12 Introduction: course description and requirements No assignment and Germanic Tribes & The Romans I (1st cent.) Reading: Hildebrandslied (Song/Lay of Hildebrand), Merseburger 01/14 The Roman Empire (1st crisis/3rd century) Zaubersprüche (Merseburg Incantations), Germania by Tacitus (pp. Early heroic epic poem & magic spells 77-97) 01/19 Germanic Tribes & The Romans II Screening: Germanic Tribes Part 1 - Barbarians against Rome and Roman encounters: Casear’s Bellum Gallicum & Screening: Germanic Tribes Part 2 – The Battle of the Teutoburg 01/21 Tacitus’s Germania Forest & Germanic Tribes Part 3 – Pax Romana The Roman Empire (2nd crisis/5th century), Chief Odovacer & Collapse of the Western Empire Barbarian Invasions 01/26 Christianity/Paganism & Germanic Tribes Screening: Germanic Tribes Part 4 – In the Sign of the Cross and Burgundian Code/Law Reading: Nibelungenlied (Ch. 1-10: pp. 17-94) 01/28 Epic Poetry Tradition & Transmission (Beowulf, Hildebrandslied, Edda, Ruodlieb, Rolandslied, Nibelungenlied, Heldenbücher, Stabreim [Alliteration]) 02/02 Epic Tales: The Nibelungenlied Reading: Nibelungenlied (Ch. 11-19 pp. 95-149) and Historical and magical elements in The Nibelungenlied Reading: Edwards “Introduction to Nibelungenlied” (pp. xi-xxiv, 215- 02/04 Burgundian Kingdom & Attila the Hun 22) 02/09 History and Myth in Contemporary Popular Culture Reading: Armstrong A Short History of Myth (pp.1-11), Davidson and Film and television, Sword and Sandal epics, epic tales Gods & Myths of Northern Europe: “Introduction” (pp. 9-22) 02/11 and the serial format Screening: Game of Thrones (S1E1-2) Reading: “Sword-and-Sandal Epics on HBO…” 02/16 Charlemagne & The Franks Screening: Game of Thrones (S1E3) and Otto I. Reading: Davidson Gods & Myths of Northern Europe: “World Tree” 02/18 Game of Thrones: Historical and mythical (pp. 190-6) & “End of the World (pp. 202-210) appropriations Screening: The Vikings (PBS/Nova) 02/23 Age of the Vikings Screening: The Vikings (S1E1) and Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Screening: The Vikings (S1E2&3) 02/25 Vikings in Popular Culture Reaction Paper 1 The Vikings: Historical and mythological appropriations 03/01 Germanic Mythology I Reading: Davidson Gods & Myths of Northern Europe: “Germanic and War Gods” (54-91) 03/03 No Assignments 03/08 Germanic Mythology II Mid-Term and Reading: Davidson Gods & Myths of Northern Europe: “Gods of 03/10 Peace & Plenty” (pp. 96-124) & “Gods of the Dead” (140-162) No Assignments 03/15 SPRING BREAK and SPRING BREAK 03/17 03/22 The legend of Beowulf in literature, Germanic Screening: Beowulf and mythology in the age of the digital Reading: Beowulf (excerpt) 03/24 (CGI, 3-D motion capture and fantasy film) Reading: Sturluson Prose Edda (pp.3-39) 03/29 Nordic legends Reading: Sturluson Prose Edda (pp. 39-79) and Reading: Sturluson Prose Edda (pp. 80-118) 03/31 04/05 Nordic legends, Völsunga Saga, Poetic Edda Screening: Dark Kingdom: The Dragon King and Screening: The Viking Sagas (BBC) 04/07 04/12 Nibelungenlied: Adaptations, Romantic revival and Screening: Excerpts from Richard Wagner’s Ring des Nibelungen Das and reimagining (Wagner, C.D. Friedrich), Rheingold, Die Walküre (Valkyrie), Siegfried, Götterdämmerung 5

04/14 Gesamtkunstwerk, scultptures, and paintings (Twilight of the Gods/Ragnarök), and Fritz Lang’s Die Nibelungen: 19th Century Nationalism (Herrmannsdenkmal) Siegfried 20th Century National-Socialism (Dolchstoßlegende) Reaction Paper 2 Post-WWII (Anselm Kiefer) Screening: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring 04/19 Tolkien & popular resurgence of fantasy genre Screening: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Big-Screen serials Reading (excerpt): Asterix and the Goths 04/21 RPG/Videogames (World of Warcraft, D&D) Screening: Asterix and the Vikings Humorous Germanic encounters 04/26 Conclusion: Myth, history, and legends and their place Last Day of Classes in contemporary popular culture No assignments 05/05 FINAL EXAM 10am-12pm