The University Centre's course in Gísla saga and Classical Icelandic is an intensive introduction to the language of Eddas and Sagas and the medieval literature of the north. This introduction is designed to meet the needs of students of Scandinavian languages and/or classical Icelandic, and other participants who want to combine the insight of language structure with an intensive reading of saga literature.

Classical Icelandic Language
In the study of classical Icelandic, aspects of language history and language structure will be in the foreground. Classical Icelandic and modern Icelandic are more or less the same; the language of the sagas is still spoken today, although the vocabulary might be somewhat adapted to the needs of a modern society. A daily briefing in modern Icelandic during the first week will give students a better feeling for modern Icelandic, its vocabulary and basic grammar, as well as modern pronunciation, to enable them to better understand the classical texts.

Gísla Saga
Along with the study of classical Icelandic structure, we shall read the Gísla saga not only for exercising, understanding and translating a saga-text, but also for being prepared for the sites of the saga, that are all located in the Westfjords.

Although one of the shorter sagas, Gísla saga is one of the most condensed. It is history and literature at the same time, thus allowing a good insight into saga literature on the whole. By visiting the locations, the history-aspect will become clear for the participants, whereas a close reading of the saga in Icelandic and translation will reveal that Gísla saga is also a part of world literature.

 

Apart from visiting the sites of the saga in Haukadal and Geirþjófsfjörð, participants will get an introduction to the life of the people of the sagas, their faith and beliefs, their housing, clothing and their weapons, as well as an introduction to the literature in medieval Iceland.

 

Content of the Course

The course includes 76 hours of varied and interesting instruction, as well as exciting excursions and day trips to the sites of the saga, a one-man play by actor Elfar Logi Hannesson and an introduction to viking weapons and the life of the people of the sagas by Dr. William Short. Also, participants will have the opportunity to see a play on Kolbrúnarskáld, an Icelandic poet, known from Fóstbræðrasaga. The play will be set up on the sites of Fóstbræðrasaga. As Fóstbræðrasaga again is the model for Halldór Laxness' Gerpla, we shall make an excursus to modern Icelandic Literature one evening.

 

The course location is in the University Centre of the Westfjords in Ísafjörður. Transportation to/from the sites of the sagas is indicated in the preliminary schedule and as specialised guiding during the visits/hikes is included in the price.

 

The sailing trip on the viking boat, made by Þingeyri craftsmen, is not included in the price.

 

Participants will study classical Icelandic in all-Icelandic language surroundings. They will think over who killed Vésteinn while sitting in one of the Ísafjörður coffee houses, experiencing the life in a small Icelandic fishing village in the magnificent surroundings of the remote Westfjords.

Ísafjörður

In Ísafjörður, students will enjoy discovering the town's quaint bakeries, wandering the streets, and exploring the coastline. In Ísafjörður the students can go hiking and walking, and experience the beautiful nature all around. The programme on Saturday will be in Þingeyri, a village well known for its viking-association, and in Haukadalur where Gísli had his farm. Participating in everyday life in a small village in the countryside is an especially pleasant way to get a feeling for modern Icelandic society.

 

The University Centre of the Westfjords has several years of experience in hosting field schools for foreign students and offering courses in Icelandic language and culture. Also, the University Centre offers an international, cross disciplinary master's program in Coastal and Marine Management. You will find all modern learning equipment and a relaxed learning atmosphere.