Masterpieces of medieval literature, exclusive of Chaucer. Some works will be read in Modern English translation.
Athena Title
Medieval Literature 1350-1500
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ENGL 4230
Non-Traditional Format
This course is writing intensive, which means that the course
will include substantial and ongoing writing assignments that a)
relate clearly to course learning; b) teach the communication
values of a discipline—for example, its practices of argument,
evidence, credibility, and format; and c) prepare students for
further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and
in professional life. The written assignments will result in a
significant and diverse body of written work (the equivalent of
6000 words or 25 pages) and the instructor (and/or the teaching
assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in
student writing, providing opportunities for feedback and
substantive revision.
Prerequisite
Two 2000-level ENGL courses or (one 2000-level ENGL course and one 3000-level ENGL course) or (one 2000-level ENGL course and one 2000-level CMLT course)
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will have read a substantial body of medieval English literature.
Students will contextualize and analyze examples from multiple literary genres. They will practice analyzing literary form and thinking critically about literature and culture.
Students will practice engaging in collaborative discussion with their peers, in both small groups and full-class discussion. They will improve their ability to express their ideas cogently and effectively.
Students will improve their abilities to argue persuasively, use textual evidence, and write vigorous prose that adheres to conventional standards of grammar and usage.
Topical Outline
The choice and sequence of topics will vary from instructor to instructor and semester to semester. A possible series of topics and assignments might resemble this:
Medieval Prose:
Religious: selections from AElfric and Wulfstan sermons; selections from The Ancrene Wisse, Michael of Northgate's Ayenbit of Inwit, selections from The Travels of Sir John Mandeville.
Philosophical: Richard Rolle's The Bee and the Stork, The Cloud of Unknowing.
Romance: selections from Malory's Morte d'Arthur.
Medieval Poetry:
Romance: King Horn, Havelock the Dane, selections from John Barbour's The Bruce, Sir Orfeo, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
Dream vision: selections from Piers Plowman, The Pearl.
Debate: The Owl and the Nightingale.
Medieval dramatic literature: selections from the Mystery Cycle plays, Everyman, The Conversion of Saint Paul.
