EN32003

Mediaeval Literature

Convenor: Jodi-Anne George

Semester: 1, Credits: 30

This module aims to introduce students to key texts (and their sources) in the literature of the Mediaeval period. It seeks to familiarise students with the principal literary genres of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries through detailed study of a selection of Mediaeval poetry, drama and prose.

In this module you will explore the ideological and historical tensions which dominate the Mediaeval period, and gain some ability to relate these tensions to issues of literary genre, gender relations, nationalism and networks of power, in particular the Church.

The texts for this course will be read largely in Modern English translation, although you should become familiar with the literary use of language in the Middle Ages. You will also gain a knowledge of a wide range of critical evaluations of, and approaches to, Mediaeval literature, including sources and manuscript studies and experience first hand early drama by staging a play of the period (participation optional).

Assessment

• One essay of 2000-2500 words to be undertaken during module, 50%
• One Open Book Examination of 3 hours, 50%

Reading

The Romance of the Rose, trans. (OUP)

The Canterbury Tales (Oxford World Classics)

Piers the Ploughman, trans. (Penguin Classics)

The Book of Margery Kempe , trans. (Penguin)

Everyman and Medieval Miracle Plays (Dent)

Le Morte Darthur (Oxford World Classics)

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, parallel text edition (Broadview Press)