December 2nd, 2013

12/2/13

In Class:
Journal--  Reflect on the role storytelling and the oral tradition have played in your life experience.

Distributed missing work reports.

Discussed Grendel, particularly focusing on Unferth's character and structural functionalism in the story.
structural functionalism: a sociological worldview which theorizes that society is a complex system of parts that all work toward a common goal of stability. 
       Unferth -> hero
       Wealtheow -> peacemaker
       Grendel -> agitator, 'evil' figure, "Wrecker of Meadhalls"
** Based on the structural functionalist perspective, Grendel is not destroying society, but giving Unferth and Beowulf a purpose within society.

Reviewed final project assignment sheet. Please let me know what questions and concerns you have! Get crackin' right away.

Introduced Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the final poem we will be reading for this course.
   * Takes place c. 500-600 C.E.
   * Transcribed c. 1300 C.E.
   * Part of the Arthurian mythology of Britain.
   * Uses alliterative verse and bob-and-wheel stanzas.
Read first two stanzas of SGGK.

Exit ticket: List three attributes associated with the Germanic/Anglo-Saxon heroic code.

Homework:
Begin thinking about your final project.
Read Part One of SGGK (l. 490).