Anglo–Saxon, Norse, and Celtic

Why study Anglo–Saxon, Norse and Celtic tripos at Emmanuel?

The Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic Tripos (known as ASNC) offers a unique opportunity to study the history, languages and literatures of the peoples of the British Isles, and Scandinavia, mainly in the early medieval period. It is unique in that there are few other courses at other Universities which allow you, for example, not only to study Anglo-Saxon history, but at the same time to be able to read - in the original - the writings of the Anglo-Saxons, and of their neighbours the Irish and Welsh, as well as studying the handwriting of the manuscripts which these peoples have left us. The course should appeal to anyone with a special interest in early languages or medieval literature or medieval history. It requires the eagerness to indulge in the investigation of things unknown, and the determination to pursue matters into dark corners; and while all students will find it demanding, they will also find it deeply rewarding. The course is constructed in such a way as to allow significant flexibility, so that you can focus more on things Celtic, or on things Germanic, as well as varying the balance between literature and history, or you may simply prefer an interesting mixture.>

What might a typical week be like studying ASNAC at Emmanuel College?

Teaching in ASNC consists of a mixture of weekly language and text-reading classes, lectures (on the various literatures covered by the Tripos, and for the history papers), and, in Part II, seminars which offer students the chance to improve their skills in making oral presentations on their independent research. A further very important element of the teaching for Part I is the weekly supervision. These are usually one-to-one sessions (just occasionally students are supervised in pairs) with a supervisor who is either one of the lecturers in the Department, or a graduate student. ASNC students have one set of supervisions for each paper they intend to take in the examinations. Usually the focus in a supervision is upon a weekly essay, written on the basis of reading list provided by the supervisor, and the hour’s meeting will be dedicated to improving both your understanding of the subject, whether literature or history, and also your ability to analyse a primary source, read secondary literature in a critical way and then to construct an argument in writing.

What qualities do successful students have?

Since most ASNC subjects do not feature regularly on school curricula, no previous knowledge is expected or required, and all are (or can be) approached from scratch. Keenness and commitment, however, are absolutely essential; ASNC is an intellectually demanding course, and intending students are strongly advised to read widely in their particular areas of interest before making a choice. We are looking for evidence of general ability in, and enthusiasm for, the kind of things we do in the degree: learning new languages, studying literature, analysing historical documents.

Where could my degree lead?

Although ASNC might seem so specialised that it will leave you with a degree that does not suggest any particular career, it does in fact provide a diverse, broad education, which will sharpen your analytical powers, teach you how to construct an effective argument, and refine your appreciation of literature. Former ASNC students have gone on to a wide variety of jobs in teaching, the civil service, law, journalism, business, publishing, museum and library work, the police, TV acting, as well as to an academic career.