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English
3306: Chaucer and his Age Time: MWF
1:30-2:20 Required Texts: Chaucer. The
Canterbury Tales: Nine Tales and the General Prologue (Norton) Suggested Texts: Boethius. The
Consolation of Philosophy (Penguin) Grades: The objective of this course is to introduce students to the English Literature of the later Middle Ages, with an emphasis on Chaucer, the period's most important writer. In addition to Chaucer's work, we will explore the writings of medieval women (Julian of Norwich, Margery Kempe), with whom we will round out the first term. The second term will begin with a selection of medieval lyrics and a discussion of medieval drama (The Second Shepherd's Play) before progressing to an example of religious allegory (Pearl) and an extended study of the romance genre, of which we will encounter several examples, concluding with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. As for formal course requirements, my policies are simple. While some lecturing will be necessary, I prefer to include as much open discussion as possible. For this reason, students are expected to come to class having read and thought about the assigned material. Each unexcused absence will be penalized at a rate of 1% of the student's final grade. All essays will be expected on time. Extensions, which should be requested in writing, will be given for medical reasons if the request is accompanied by a doctor's note; they will not be given to accommodate work in other classes, extracurricular activities, or employment. Extension requests that are made the day an essay is due will be refused. Plagiarism and other forms of cheating on any assignment will result, at least, in an automatic 'F' in the course; the 'F' may be accompanied by suspension or expulsion from the university. While students are not required to make appointments to meet with me, meetings are encouraged as they give me a chance to get to know you better, which in turn will help me to address your needs and interests effectively. If my office hours are not convenient for you, I will be happy to schedule appointments at other times.
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