Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - ENGL 304 E100

Studies in Medieval Literature (4)

Class Number: 2348

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 11, 2021
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Two 100 division English courses, and two 200 division English courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Studies of medieval authors, genres or issues, from 500-1500. Texts will be studied in the original language or in translation.

COURSE DETAILS:

Arthurian Literature

Resistance fighter, benevolent ruler, national and chivalric symbol: King Arthur stands at the centre of a vast body of medieval literature, couched in a variety of prose and poetic genres, drawing on folk as well as learned traditions, and composed in every major language of western Europe. Even as they illuminate the multiple meanings of “British,” Arthur and his companions demonstrate the profound cultural hybridity of the European Middle Ages.

Our work this semester will survey the highpoints of the medieval Arthurian tradition, beginning with the earliest (6th-9th centuries CE) references to a figure already legendary if he ever was historical, and closing with Sir Thomas Malory’s classic synthesis, carried out at the dawn of the age of print. Throughout, we shall be at pains to trace the development or decline of particular themes and to understand the meanings attached to each of our readings in its historical context.

Recognising Arthur’s continuing cultural presence, 20% of each student’s grade will rest on a series of online discussion board posts, exploring connections between our medieval texts and contemporary works in film and other popular media.

N.B. Instruction will combine synchronous meetings (most weeks) on Blackboard Collaborate Ultra with several modules to be completed asynchronously.

 

Grading

  • Blackboard participation 5%
  • Reading quizzes 20%
  • Discussion board posts 20%
  • Writing exercises (synchronous) 10%
  • Interpretive essay (4-5 pp.) 15%
  • Research paper (8-10 pp.) 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

All course materials will be made available online.

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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).