English 346 – Dream Vision and Romance Sheila Fisher

T/R 9.25-10.40

Enrollment limited to 15
Prerequisite: C- or better in English 260 or permission of instructor
NOTE: This course satisfies the requirement of a course emphasizing literature written before 1700. This course is also research intensive.
A study of two major medieval genres as they are developed in the works of Chaucer, Langland, the Gawain-poet, and Malory. The course will explore the structural and stylistic as well as the political, social, and psychological issues raised by these genres and the individual authors' treatments of them.

Required Texts

Chaucer, Dream Visions and Other Poems, ed. Lynch (Norton). ISBN-10: 0393925889

Chaucer, Troilus and Criseyde, ed. Barney (Norton). ISBN-10: 0393927555

Malory, Le Morte Darthur, ed. Shepherd (Norton). ISBN-10: 0393974642

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight/Patience/Pearl, trans. Borroff (Norton). ISBN-10: 0393976580

Langland, Piers Plowman, trans. Donaldson (Norton). ISBN-10: 0393960110

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. To develop a sophisticated understanding of two of the most important genres of 14th- and 15th-century English literature as they were articulated by four of the most important poets of this period.

2. To learn to read these genres, whenever possible, in their original Middle English.

3. To test translation, comprehension, and critical skills through short weekly quizzes.

3. To develop skills in oral expression through class participation and oral reports on the research project.

4. To develop skills in research methods and contextual criticism through the research project.

5. To develop sophisticated skills in written expression through incrementally based formal papers.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Class attendance and active participation (10%)

2. Weekly Quizzes (15%)

3. Research Project and Oral Report (20%)

4. Papers -- a. Midterm Paper, 2800 words; b. Final Paper, 5500 words (together, 55%).