Course Description
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.
