University of Sydney / Faculty of Arts / Centre for Medieval Studies / Reading Groups

Reading Groups

Proficiency in medieval studies necessarily involves developing key translation and palaeographical skills. Various members of the Centre voluntarily run informal groups that aim to assist both undergraduate and postgraduate students in this regard.
The groups, some current, some in abeyance, are :

  • Medieval Latin (advanced and beginner)
  • Latin Palaeography
  • Reading Medieval Charters
  • Old English
  • Middle English
  • Old Norse

MEDIEVAL LATIN (ADVANCED)

This group has continued to meet whenever John Ward is in town (meets Fridays 1-3 p.m.), either in Woolley N306 or in the Holme Building cafeteria) and is currently reading William of Malmesbury’s Polyhistor, a fine amalgam of bowdlerised classical lore with medieval comments, a generally under-studied work. We are preparing an annotated translation of it. Anyone is welcome to join : contact .

MEDIEVAL LATIN (BEGINNERS)

An informal reading group for Medieval Latin began in November 2005, reading and translating a broad range of texts. For more information please contact .

LATIN PALAEOGRAPHY and READING MEDIEVAL CHARTERS

For more information please contact .

RENAISSANCE LATIN READING GROUP

RLRG meets Monday afternoons and all but beginners (our apologies) are welcome. For more information please contact

OLD ENGLISH

OERG has met weekly to read aloud and engage with literature written in Old English, the language of the Anglo-Saxons, spoken and written between the sixth and twelfth centuries. OERG aims, in an informal environment, to foster interest in Old English language and literature, and to increase awareness of the richness of the language itself and the diverse texts which were written in it. OERG provides students and staff alike with the opportunity to practice and discuss the pronunciation (and translation, if you choose!) of Old English in a collegial and congenial atmosphere. Attendance is flexible (come whenever you can!) and neither homework nor prior preparation is assumed or necessary.
Members of OERG are also welcome and encouraged to discuss any research issues or ideas, to practise trial versions of upcoming conference papers, and to publicise any exciting or new developments in the field (whether their own or not). A basic, introductory, knowledge of Old English is beneficial, although not necessary; but enthusiasm for this period and its language is essential.
For more information please contact .

MIDDLE ENGLISH

MERG meets weekly for an hour. For more information please contact .

OLD NORSE

ON meets fortnightly after classes. For more information please contact .