Sat., 28 Apr.:  Extracurricular English Country Dance at the QuadraDangle, 7-9 pm.  Click here for further details.  Listen to the Grandview Orchestra perform the "Duke of Kent's Waltz."

Course Description:

This course surveys a variety of Medieval Literature, and will focus on language, literature, and cultural history.  By the end of the semester, you should be able to read the Middle English, to discuss the major literary genres and conventions authors employ, and place these works within their social, historical, an cultural context.  We will read Beowulf, some shorter Anglo-Saxon poems, Dante, Chaucer, a variety of romances and lyrics, and visionary/mystical material.

Course Objectives:  

1. Comprehend the history of the language, its grammar and syntax, the arts of rhetoric, and the conventions of expository writing
2. Read extensively in canonical literature while learning to question the status and historical formation of the canon: master literary periods, terms, and major authors
3. Read intensively with formal concentration, discerning the quality of different literary modes and styles: know the historical conventions of literary form and be able to differentiate literary styles
4. Extend these methods of analysis to new works outside the canon and to works outside the sphere of conventional textuality
5. Understand various modes of literary criticism and be able to devise appropriate critical theses both in writing and conversation: know the major schools of criticism and be able to replicate their interpretative strategies
6. Show intelligence, imagination, and creativity in the formation and support of original literary interpretations
7. Relate the history of literary creativity to allied fields of humane activity: politics, arts, philosophy, theory and culture in general.

Grading Standards:

Written translation (10%), Short Close Reading (10%), Short Reaction Paper (10%), Annotated Bibliography on Chaucer (20%), Midterm Exam (20%), Round Table Presentation on Chaucer (10%), Final Exam (20%).

Attendance policy:

University-sponsored absences are cleared through the Office of Student Life.  Attendance is essential in a class like this. You will be allowed one absence by prior arrangement for personal business reasons. For that and any subsequent officially authorized absence you will be required to make up additional work and must contact me. Two unexcused absences will signify that you do not intend to pass the class.  This policy accords with UW Regulation 6-713.

Academic Honesty is strictly enforced according to UW Regulation 6-802 �Procedures and Authorized University Actions in Cases of Student Academic Dishonesty�.

The Student Code of Conduct may be found by linking to the Dean of Students Office page.

Disability Statement: If you have a physical, learning, sensory or psychological disability and require accommodation, please let me know as soon as possible. You will need to register with, and provide documentation of your disability to University Disability Support Services (UDSS) in SEO, room 330 Knight Hall.

Any changes to the syllabus will be announced in class or on this course website, where the date of most recent revision follows:

Last updated Saturday, 19 October 2013

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