SPRING 1998
ENG 701: SEMINAR IN MEDIEVAL LITERATURE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course offers a study of medieval English literature from its beginnings
in the Anglo-Saxon (Old English) period through the 15th century. Texts
and authors studied include Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green
Knight, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Langland's Piers Plowman,
Malory's Morte Darthur, as well as lyrics and drama. The course emphasizes
reading and discussion of the texts, examination and assessment of current
scholarship and bibliography as well as the writing of a seminar paper.
TEXTS
Anglo-Saxon Poetry, trans. & ed. S. A. J.
Bradley, Everyman
Medieval English Literature, ed. Thomas J. Garbáty,
Waveland
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1) Seminar Paper (30%)
All students will be required to undertake and complete the writing of
an original seminar paper (10-15 pages) offering personal analysis of as
well as discussion of scholarship on one or more of the texts studied. Papers
may offer personal interpretations based on close, attentive reading of
a specific and well-defined aspect of a text. Such interpretations however
must always be presented and discussed in the context of the scholarship.
Possible subjects for papers include consideration of the significance of
themes, situations, passages, images, characters, symbols, motifs, language,
structure, etc. of the chosen text(s). Papers must provide evidence for
all their claims in the form of extended discussion and explanation of relevant
textual and contextual features as well as references to the work of other
scholars. In addition to logical thought, reading comprehension and writing
skill, papers should feature independent thinking, originality, precise
and detailed analysis, as well as understanding of the complexities of meaning
in literary texts. Papers must also show awareness and accurate use of primary
and secondary sources, relevant facts, historical information, cultural/intellectual
backgrounds, different interpretations, and literary terminology and concepts.
It is strongly recommended that students consult with the instructor, well
in advance of the deadline, concerning the topic and progress of the paper.
The paper in final form is due Monday, May 4 by 12:00 noon in the instructor's
office or mailbox.
2) Bibliography and Medieval English Literature Web Site (40%)
Students in the class will work together in the compilation of bibliography, annotation of current scholarship and development of a web site featuring information on the texts studied as well as links to other resources.
For each work in the syllabus, students will compile a list of 10-20 books or articles (this should include the most important standard or critical editions of the work as well as influential commentaries or interpretations). At least 3 of those items should be annotated to include not only full bibliographical information but also a summary/description of contents. Items to be annotated should be chosen from the most recent scholarship. Each annotated entry should be no longer than a page in length.
Students in the class will work together in the building a World Wide
Web site offering a summary of basic facts (authorship, summary of content,
cultural/historical background, textual history and features, etc), links
to other relevant sites, as well as the bibliographical entries and annotations
for each one of the works in the syllabus.
3) Attendance and Class Participation (30%)
All students in the class are required to do the assigned reading, prepare
for and attend class regularly and actively and constructively participate
in class discussions and other activities.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Wed Jan 14
Introduction (no reading required)
Wed Jan 21
Anglo-Saxon (Old English) Period.
Anglo-Saxon Poetry (The Wanderer, The Seafarer, The Dream of the Rood)
Wed Jan 28
The Battle of Maldon, The Battle of Brunanburg
Wed Feb 04
Wed Feb 11
Wed Feb 18
Middle English Period: Outline and Chronology
Robert Biket's The Lay of the Horn, Marie de France's Lanval
Wed Feb 25
Wed March 04
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Wed Mar 11
SPRING BREAK
Wed Mar 18
Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (The Miller's Tale)
Wed Mar 25
William Langland's Piers Plowman
Wed Apr 01
Middle English Lyrics (Sumer is, Mirie it is, Foweles, Alysoun, Lenten is Come, When the Nightingale, Irish Dancer, All Night by the Rose, Maiden in the Moor, I Sing of a Maiden)
Wed Apr 08
Sir Thomas Malory's Morte Darthur
Wed Apr 15
The Second Shepherds' Play
Wed Apr 22
Everyman
Wed Apr 29
Conclusion. Course Evaluations (bring a #2 pencil)
Mon May 04
Paper Due in Instructor's Office or Mailbox by 12:00 Noon