160248 SE Ancient Indo-European Culture (2009S)

Both from a linguistic and from a cultural perspective, the Welsh Laws are among the most interesting texts of medieval Wales. In a number of manuscripts, some of which date back to the 13th century and hence use a comparatively archaic language, they present in an idealized form a patriarchal society with all its negative and positive aspects. After a short introduction about the background (manuscripts etc.) the course participants will, according to the character of the course (seminar), give presentations dealing on selected law sections, in which not only the text as such will be translated but also the content will be analysed. This will lead to questions such as: How realistic is this law section? Are there parallels in the Old Irish Laws or significant differences?, etc.
Good knowledge of Middle Welsh is required for participation.