ENGH 320: Literature of the Middle Ages

ENGH 320-001: Lit of the Middle Ages
(Spring 2017)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW

Section Information for Spring 2017

Since the Middle English (ME) period is not just a way station between those two Williams (of Normandy and of Stratford), this course will examine some major exemplars of non-Chaucerian ME literature, especially verse, romance, and drama. This course is designed for English majors who have not taken an intensive survey of Middle English literature and anyone who wishes to study the richness of our language and literature in one of its earliest moments.

Our consideration of lyric and drama will consider  secular and with religous aspects, as well as the  occasional overlap between them;  two of our plays, the YorkNoah, and the Wakefield Second Shepherd's Play (to be performed November-December, 2016 at the Folger) show a masterful use of humor, as well.   Concluding our survey will be a reading the Pearl (our most beautiful visionary verse) , and a selection of Sir Thomas Malory's retellings from the Arthurian legend.

All work will be read in Middle English using texts with abundant marginal glosses; our work with lyric will serve to familiarize readers with ME spellings.

Come prepared for much discussion, reading aloud, and close analysis. Two short essays, a mid-term examination, and two longer 4-5 pp. papers,  and a final examination.

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduces Middle English literature, with emphasis on the social, cultural, and political contexts that guided its production and preservation. Readings include selected English narrative, poetry, and drama written between 1300 and 1500, exclusive of Chaucer. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.