Spring 2019 - ENGL 201 D100

Medieval Literature (3)

Class Number: 1660

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2019
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Two 100 division English courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Anglo-Saxon literature and Middle English literature, in translation when necessary. Students with credit for ENGL 204 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is where English literature begins. The great epic poem, Beowulf, ignored for centuries, not only has awesome monsters but also shows poetic connections to a wider Germanic world in themes, underlying mythology, and poetic form. Old English poetry shows a poignant, very human side of what it means to live in a dark and dangerous world. The English did well in this world and, as they conquered their neighbours, their literatures began to intersect. We will look at some of the Celtic and Celtic-inspired texts from Medieval Britain such as the werewolf lai of Marie de France. As the language grows and builds connections to French and other Continental literature, it takes on new forms and thems, culminating in one of the greatest English writers of all time, Geoffrey Chaucer, who had a masterful ability to convey vivid characters in a variety of poetic forms.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course, you should be familiar with the core canonical texts of Old and Middle English; you will be aware of the differences between Old and Middle English and their literary conventions. You will also build a contextual understanding of how English literature fits into broader patterns within European literary trends.

Grading

  • Old English language assignment 10%
  • Middle English dictionary assignment 10%
  • Middle English Romance project 18%
  • Final Essay 24%
  • Participation 13%
  • Final Exam 25%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

J. B. Trapp, Douglas Gray, and Julia Boffey, eds., The Oxford Anthology of English Literature: Volume 1: Medieval English Literature
ISBN: 9780195134926

Sioned Davies, Mabinogion
ISBN: 9780199218783

Claire M. Waters (trans.), The Lais of Marie de France
ISBN: 9781554810826

Department Undergraduate Notes:

IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.

For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS