ENGL 439: Gender in Medieval Literature   MW 2-4, Rm. 2-13 Dr. Debora B. Schwartz Office: 47-35G, tel. 756-2636  http://www.calpoly.edu/~dschwart Main English Office:  756-2597 e-mail: dschwart@calpoly.edu Office Hours: MW 12:30-1:30, T/R 4:30-5:30, and by appt. Calendar of Readings and Research Assignments Fall, 2008

NOTE:  DO NOT PRINT OUT THIS CALENDAR OF ASSIGNMENTS!! It is intended to be consulted online.
(Print-out would be VERY long . . . and specific assignments are subject to change.)
 

Week

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Oral Presentation Schedule

NOTE 1: some required readings are accessed electronically.  Please note that all such readings should be PRINTED OUT and brought with you to class.  Electronically accessed readings may be in one of the following forms:

• .PDF files placed on Electronic Reserve through the Library Resources section of Blackboard. To access Blackboard, log in at MyCalpoly, go to "Blackboard Access" and select "ENGL 439-01" from the classes you are taking. Click on the link in the Electronic Reserves section (under "Library Resources") to download, read and/or print the file using Acrobat Reader.
• "Online readings" are simple .html files.  To access online readings, simply click on the link on this calendar of assignments.
• Occasionally, a reading may be found in a Kennedy Library subscription database.  To access such readings, click on the link; you will be prompted to type in your last name and library barcode (the 14-digit number beginning 20150 on the front of your PolyCard).  You can then download, read and/or print the file using Acrobat Reader.

NOTE 3: This calendar is subject to change.  You are advised to consult it on-line and/or to print out only one day's or week's assignment at a time.  Please remember that the on-line calendar, not any print-out you make, is authoritative.  Check weekly to ensure you are completing the correct assignment, as instructions may change or be added.

Week 1  (September 22 - 24)
 

Day 1	INTRODUCTION to ENGL 439: course organization, requirements and expectations; Overview of Readings (sign-up for research topics at our next class meeting). Also, because sign-ups for Oral Presentations will begin at our second class meeting, you are advised to read through the Oral Presentation Guidelines and have a look at the Schedule of Oral Presentations. REQUIRED BACKGROUND READING: Read completely through the top level of the class homepage (no need to follow all the links at this time). YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS AS OUTLINED ON THIS SITE.	In this class, you will hone your research skills using a number of electronic research tools accessible online through the Kennedy Library's subscription databases.  Please be aware that little if any material found using standard web search engines (Google, Lycos, etc.) is suitable for citation in a research paper.  Relatively few reliable scholarly journals,  ebooks  or encylopedias are currently available free on the web (although many valid scholarly resources can be accessed through online subscription databases). With the exception of reputable scholarly work (e.g. unpublished conference papers, original or previously published essays, book chapters or journal articles) made available by an academic author, in an online scholarly journal, or on the website of a scholarly project, material found on the web is HIGHLY UNLIKELY to be suitable for citation in a research paper.  If you DO choose to use Web Search Engines for your research, be sure to consult Research Step 6: Finding and Evaluating Web-Based Resources for tips on how to evaluate the scholarly validity of a website or resource found online. WEEK 1 Research Assignment :  Introduction to Kennedy Library Research Tools.  READ:  Preliminaries I: Types of Sources and Preliminaries II: Modes of Access (follow links to specific assigned sections of Dr. Schwartz's Guide to Kennedy Library Research Tools). Note: you can print out the full document, or read the assignment online.  Either way, be aware that your assignment for day 2 is ONLY the specific "Preliminaries" sections listed above -- not the whole document! SKIM MLA HB chapters 1-3 (so you'll know what's there).  Pay particular attention to the existence of section 3.2, an overview of basic punctuation rules,  pp. 80-94.  Get in the habit of double-checking this section if you have a tendency to misuse semi-colons, commas, etc. READ CAREFULLY MLA HB sections 3.3 on italics (or underlining) and 3.6 on the Titles of Works (in the chapter entitled "The Mechanics of Writing").  You will need to be clear on this information to write correct bibliographic citations for future Practicum assignments -- starting with our first class meeting next week! When you come to class next week, you should be able to: list the 5 kinds of sources (primary, plus four kinds of secondary source) and know the meaning of these terms.  NOTE:  the Guide to Research Tools also outlines how to find these kinds of resources and provides basic models for documenting them correctly).  list the 4 modes of access we will use to obtain secondary source materials for this class.  know what "SFX" and "PolySearch"are (and be aware of their limitations).  Know basic MLA rules for transcribing the titles of works in bibliographic citations.  You will need to know:     -- when to use italics/underlining and when to use quotation marks for titles (what sorts of work use each).     -- that you should never mix italics and underlining in the same document;  pick ONE and use it CONSISTENTLY. (NOTE: for work submitted to me, please use only UNDERLINING, not italics.)     -- how to indicate a normally underlined (or italicized) title within another underlined (or italicized) title.     -- how to indicate a normally quotation-marked title (or a quotation) within a quotation-marked title.     -- that an underlined title remains underlined when it is incorporated into a quotation-marked title.     -- how to handle punctuation (or subtitles) within the title of a work.      -- which words (e.g. parts of speech) should be capitalized in a title. Please be aware that specific rules govern the punctuation, capitalization, and use of underlining/italics in titles.  If you simply reproduce the formatting found on the title page of a given work or in a Polycat, Link+ or MLA Bibliography entry, you may lose points for incorrect formatting of your bibliographic citations! * * * * * NOTE:  All students should meet with me to discuss possible research angles and for help getting started on the research process ASAP and by the end of week 3 at the latest!  Failure to schedule a preliminary research conference will cause an "F" to be averaged into the Research Report component of your final course grade.
Day 2	INTRODUCTION to ENGL 439, cont. (sign-up for research/oral presentation topics at this class meeting). Contexts:  feminist criticism / gender studies; medieval textual practices; the medieval notion of Translatio; medieval attitudes toward vernacular literature REQUIRED READINGS:  Feminist Criticism, Gender Criticism, and Queer Theory (Abrams Glossary of Literary Terms, 8th ed.) (.PDF file, 6 pp.; on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard) "Translatio studii et imperii" (online reading)  "Medieval prologues" (online reading), which is also a guide to: Marie de France, prologue/epilogue to the Fables (part of a .PDF file, 8 pp., which is on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard);  prologue to the Lais (both in .PDF file with Prologue/Epilogue to the Fables AND in required textbook The Lais of Marie de France, pp. 28-9);  prologues to Chrétien de Troyes's Erec and Enide and Cligés (in required textbook Arthurian Romances, pp. 37 and 123).  Also Recommended: W. F. Bolton, "The Conditions of Literary Composition in Medieval England" (.PDF file, 15 pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard; follow link above for some pointers on what to look for in this reading).  This overview is provided as a refresher concerning medieval textual practices, information which should be already be familiar to you from ENGL 203). ALWAYS PRINT OUT E-RESERVE AND ONLINE READINGS.  Put them in a binder and bring it to class, along with any textbooks from which there are assigned readings. HOMEWORK to be completed before our second class meeting: If you have not already done so, read COMPLETELY through the top level of the class homepage (no need to follow liks) and familiarize yourself with course expectations and with the range of readings on this calendar of assignments.  If you have not already done so, read through the Oral Presentation Guidelines and have a look at the Schedule of Oral Presentations.  Come to class prepared to sign up for the topic/date when you would like to present in class.  Complete Day 2 required readings (above) before today's class; complete the Week 1 Preliminary Research Assignment (at right) before our first class meeting of week 2. REMEMBER: You are responsible for information covered in required readings and in research assignments  (although we will not spend significant time talking about these assignment in class).  NOTE: If  I perceive that students are NOT keeping up with research assignments (and/or course readings), I reserve the right to reinstate UNANNOUNCED SPOT QUIZZES in ENGL 439!!  I hope this won't be necessary, as quizzes mean 1) more for me to grade; and 2) less time in  class for far more interesting conversations . . . So PLEASE do us all a favor, and KEEP UP WITH RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS AND READINGS!  Note:  If QUIZZES happen, they will be worth 10% OF YOUR CLASS GRADE!!

Week 2    (September 29 - October 1)
 

Day 1	As needed: continued discussion of medieval contexts (see reading assignments for week 1, day 2, above)  Classical and Medieval Misogyny I: Attacking Women REQUIRED READINGS:  R. Howard Bloch, "Medieval Misogyny" (.PDF file, 16 pp., is on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard) Defamed and Defended  Introduction (WDWD pp. 1-15; .PDF file, 8 pp., is on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard) Selections from Classical Misogyny  (WDWD pp. 17-82; .PDF file, 34 pp., is on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard) Selections from  Medieval Latin Misogyny 1 (religious) (WDWD pp. 83-93; .PDF file, 6 pp., is on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard)  The last three selections above are found in the recommended textbook Women Defamed and Women Defended (specific pages indicated above).  If you prefer to photocopy this assignment, a hard copy of this textbook is on 2-hour/overnight reserve for ENGL 439 in the Kennedy Library under the call number PR1912.A2 W65 1992.	Research Archive Assignment 1: Finding Print Resources in Kennedy Library Collections PRELIMINARIES: Read carefully through the profile of Polycat on Dr. Schwartz's Guide to Kennedy Library Research Tools.  Be sure you are clear about what Polycat is, what it contains, when (and why) to use it, its strengths and its limitations.  Then, click on the link below and read through the instructions for your first research assignment Research Step 1: Kennedy Library via Polycat.  ASK DR. SCHWARTZ IN CLASS if you have any questions about what you will need to do this week. RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT: Follow the directions in Research Step 1: Kennedy Library via Polycat, to locate some  useful secondary sources -- studies ABOUT your author, topic or work, not an edition of the text itself  -- in the Kennedy Library collections.  Check at least one out.  Also, BROWSE THROUGH THE LIBRARY RESERVE LIST and CHECK OUT several works on reserve that appear to have potential for your research topic.  There are DEFINITELY some useful sources on reserve for EVERY research topic. The linked page of directions will also guide you through writing your first two research reports, "Polycat Search Results" and "Kennedy Library Checkouts," and submitting them to the class research archive.  Research reports are due by FRIDAY of the week after the week on which they appear on the Class Calendar (i.e., these first two reports are due by F 10/10). Reminder: the class research archive is located in a Blackboard "Discussion Board."  To access Blackboard, log in at MyCalpoly, go to "Blackboard Access" and select "ENGL 459-01" from the classes you are taking; then click on "Discussion Board" and enter the "forum" for the topic you researching.  (I will create a separate "forum" for each of you under the research topic you sign up for at our second class meeting.) * * * * * NOTE:  All students should meet with me to discuss possible research angles and for help getting started on the research process ASAP and by the end of week 3 at the latest!  Failure to schedule a preliminary research conference will cause an "F" to be averaged into the Research Report component of your final course grade.
Day 2	As needed: continued discussion of reading assignments for week 2 day 1, above  Classical and Medieval Misogyny, II: Attacking Marriage REQUIRED READINGS:  Medieval Latin Misogyny 2 (satirical) (WDWD pp. 99, 103-129; .PDF file, 14 pp., is on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard) Lamentations of Matheolus (WDWD pp. 148, 177-197; .PDF file, 11 pp., is on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard) These readings are found in the recommended textbook Women Defamed and Women Defended (specific pages indicated above). If you prefer to photocopy this assignment, a hard copy of this textbook is on 2-hour/overnight reserve for ENGL 439 in the Kennedy Library under the call number PR1912.A2 W65 1992. *   -   *   -   * CONTEXT FOR MARIE DE FRANCE: Background lecture on the Tristan romances.

Week 3    (October 6 - 8)

Obligatory Preliminary Research Conference must take place by the end of week 3 at the latest!  Failure to do so will cause an "F" to be averaged into the Research Report component of your final course grade.
 

Day 1	A Woman's Perspective: Marie de France REQUIRED READINGS:  Marie de France, Lais.  Review Prologue (pp. 28-9 of textbook, assigned for W 9/24) and read text of all 12 lais (pp. 28-243) ENGL 203 Marie de France Study Guide (brief onine reading) Also Recommended: Explanatory notes following text of each lai (particularly helpful for noticing connecting themes) Robert Hanning and Joan Ferrante's Introduction (pp. 1-27 of your textbook; some good information but somewhat dated and not entirely accurate) NOTE 1:  our discussion will begin with reconsideration of Marie's Prologue to the collection of Lais as a whole (pp. 28-9), in conjunction with the prologue-like opening of the first lai, Guigemar.  After considering the opening signals and strategies of self-presentation in these two pieces, we will consider the twelve lais both as individual narratives and as parts of the collection as a whole.  Hint:  pay attention to the position of each lai within the  collection.  Consider the effect of the juxtaposition of various views of love and of lovers; consider also why Eliduc may have been chosen as the final lai in the collection. NOTE 2:  while our discussion will continue on W 10/8, it is likely to range across the whole collection on both days devoted to Marie de France, so please be sure to have read through ALL TWELVE LAIS prior to this class meeting! Research Presentations:  no more than three total on Marie de France, each focusing on a different lai; no more than two per class meeting.	Research Archive Assignment 2: Using LINK+ to identify and order secondary sources not in Cal Poly's collections. PRELIMINARIES: read carefully through the description of LINK+ and its profileon Dr. Schwartz's Guide to Kennedy Library Research Tools.  Be sure you are clear about what it is, what can be borrowed from it, when (and why) to use it, its strengths and its limitations.  Then, click on the link and read through the detailed instructions for the second research assignment: Research Step 2: Using LINK+.  ASK DR. SCHWARTZ IN CLASS if you have any questions on what you need to do. RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:   By following the directions in Research Step 2: Using LINK+, you will learn how to use LINK+ to identify and order additional secondary sources from cooperating libraries. Note that LINK+ can be used to order books only -- not bound journals and periodicals.  It is fast -- books ordered through LINK+ typically arrive within 2-3 days.  The directions will also guide you though submitting your next two research reports to the class research archive, "LINK+ Search Results" and "LINK+ Orders 1."  Research reports are due by FRIDAY of the week after the week on which they appear on the Class Calendar (i.e., these two reports are due by F 10/17).     * * * * * NOTE:  All students must meet with me to discuss possible research angles and for help getting started on the research process ASAP and by the end of week 3 at the latest!  Failure to do so will cause an "F" to be averaged into the Research Report component of your final course grade.
Day 2	Marie de France, Lais, continued.  REQUIRED READING:  Diana M. Faust, "Women Narrators in the Lais of Marie de France," (.PDF file, 6 pp., is on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard).  From Women in French Literature, ed. Michel Guggenheim, Stanford French and Italian Studies 58 (Saratoga [CA]: Anima Libri, 1988), pp. 17-27. Hard copy of this book is available in the Kennedy Library stacks under the call number PQ149 .W6 1988. Also recommended: one or more of the following: Stephen G. Nichols, "Working Late: Marie de France and the Value of Poetry" (.PDF file on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard; 6 pp.).  From Women in French Literature, ed. Michel Guggenheim, Stanford French and Italian Studies 58 (Saratoga [CA]: Anima Libri, 1988), pp. 7-16. Hard copy of this book is available in the Kennedy Library stacks under the call number PQ149 .W6 1988. Eva Rosenn, "The Sexual and Textual Politics of Marie's Poetics" (.PDF file on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard; 10 pp.).  From In Quest of Marie de France, A Twelfth-Century Poet, ed. Chantal A. Maréchal (Lewiston [NY]: The Edwin Mellen Press, 1992), pp. 225-242. (If you prefer hard copy, this book can be ordered through Link+; or see Dr. Schwartz to borrow her personal copy) Michelle A. Freeman, "The Changing Figure of the Male: The Revenge of the Female Storyteller" (.PDF file on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard; 10 pp.).  From In Quest of Marie de France, A Twelfth-Century Poet, ed. Chantal A. Maréchal (Lewiston [NY]: The Edwin Mellen Press, 1992), pp. 243-261. (If you prefer hard copy, this book can be ordered through Link+; or see Dr. Schwartz to borrow her personal copy) Research Presentations:  no more than three total on Marie de France, each focusing on a different lai; no more than two per class meeting.

Week 4    (October 13 - 15)
 

Day 1	A Man's Perspective: Chrétien de Troyes Chrétien de Troyes, Arthurian Romances: Introduction (1-22) and Erec and Enide (37-122).  READ WHOLE TEXT BY CLASS TIME. Research Presentation(s) (no more than two per day and up to three total):   Adam	Research Archive Assignment 3: Using the MLA Bibliography to identify secondary sources (and then figuring out how to access them!)  PRELIMINARIES: read carefully through the profile of the MLA Bibliography on Dr. Schwartz's Guide to Kennedy Library Research Tools .  Be sure you are clear about what it is, when (and why) to use it, its strengths and its limitations. Read information on SFX and its limitations.  (Remember:  the MLA Bibliography is NOT itself a mode of access for secondary sources.)  Review information on ILL (Interlibrary Loan) as a mode of access distinct from LINK+. Then, click on the link to read through the detailed instructions for your next research assignment: Research Step 3: Using the MLA Bibliography to Identify Additional Sources on Your Topic (and then figure out how to access them!).  ASK DR. SCHWARTZ IN CLASS if you have questions about what you need to do. RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:   By following the detailed instructions on Research Step 3: Using the MLA Bibliography to Identify Additional Sources on Your Topic (and then figure out how to access them!), you will learn to use the MLA Bibliography to identify additional secondary sources on your topic and Interlibrary Loan to access articles not available at Cal Poly (as well as books which are unavailable at Cal Poly or through LINK+). The directions will also help you prepare your next research reports for the class research archive, "MLA Search Results" and "ILL Orders" (as well as "LINK+ Orders 2" if applicable).  Research reports are due by FRIDAY of the week after the week on which they appear on the Class Calendar (i.e., these next reports are due by F 10/24).
Day 2	Erec and Enide, cont.; preparation for The Romance of Silence.  REQUIRED READINGS: On Electronic Reserve: Peggy McCracken, "Silence and the Courtly Wife: Chrétien de Troyes's Erec et Enide," The Arthurian Yearbook III, ed. Keith Busby (New York: Garland, 1993), pp. 107-26. (.PDF file, 11 pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard). Introduction to The Romance of Silence, pp. xi-xxiv in your textbook. Prologue to The Romance of Silence, odd numbered pages 3-7 (unless of course you read Old French! then check out the even-numbered pages as well) A "premiers vers"?  The "prequel" story of Silence's parents, Eufemie and Cador: The Romance of Silence, odd numbered pages 3-79.  Research Presentation(s) on Erec and Enide (no more than two per day and up to three total):   Nick

Week 5    (October 20 -22)
 

Day 1	Problematizing Gender: Nature vs. Nurture Heldris de Cornwall, The Romance of Silence.  Complete WHOLE TEXT by class time. NB:  today's assignment is fun and easy to read but LONG; plan ahead for it! Also recommended:  Robert S. Sturges, "The Crossdresser and the Juventus: Category Crisis in Silence," Arthuriana 12.1 (Spring, 2002): 37-49. (journal available in the Kennedy Library stacks under the call number PN685.A78). Research Presentation(s) on Romance of Silence (no more than two per day and up to three total):   Jenna	Research Archive Assignment 4: FindingFull-Text Journal Articles in Kennedy Library Subscription Databases PRELIMINARIES: Read about electronic modes of access and the profiles of the four Kennedy Library subscription journal databases we will use to look for full-text, electronically accessed journal articles on Dr. Schwartz's Guide to Kennedy Library Research Tools.  Be clear about what each database includes, what to use them for, and their advantages and disadvantages.  Carefully read information on SFX and on Polysearch (and their limitations).    Know what to add to the citation of a journal article citation accessed electronically  through a subscription database.  Then, click on the link for detailed instructions for the fourth research assignment: Research Step 4: Using Full-Text Subscription Databases in the Kennedy Library Collections.  ASK DR. SCHWARTZ IN CLASS (or at an office hour) if you have questions about what you need to do. RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:   The detailed instructions in Research Step 4: Using Full-Text Subscription Databases in the Kennedy Library Collections will help you learn to search for full-text journal articles on your topic in four of Cal Poly's subscription databases. The directions will also help you prepare your next four research reports for the class research archive: "Muse Results," "EAI Results," ASE Results" and "JSTOR Results."   Research reports are due by FRIDAY of the week after the week on which they appear on the Class Calendar (i.e., these four reports are due by F 10/31). * * * * * Begin work on RESEARCH PAPER PROSPECTUS, OUTLINE AND WORKING BIBLIOGRAPHY, DUE IN CLASS ON W 11/5 (or with prior permission, NO LATER THAN 6 PM ON FRIDAY, 11/7 ).  Your Prospectus must include a working title which clearly identifies the work(s) discussed as well as the topic of your paper; a fully articulated thesis (not just a statement of general topic); a tentative outline of paper; and a working bibliography of at least eight sources, alphabetized and listed using correct MLA bibliographic format (consult your MLA Handbook!).  Be sure to include at least one example of each of the required Types of Source and Modes of Access  specified in the Prospectus guidlines.
Day 2	Continued discussion of the Romance of Silence will occupy at least the first hour of class.  But please come to class having completed the NEW PRIMARY READINGS listed below.  We will likely begin discussion of them in the second hour. Required Secondary Reading: On e-reserve: Lorraine Kachanske Stock, "The Importance of Being Gender 'Stable': Masculinity and Feminine Empowerment in Le Roman de Silence," Arthuriana 7.2 (Summer, 1997): 7-34.  (PDF file, 14 pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard) New Primary Readings: The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan:  Introduction, xi-xvi, and selections from Christine de Pizan, The Book of Fortune's Transformation, 88-107.  Read sections 1.1-1.6, 1.10-1.12. (Follow link above for background on Christine from ENGL 203 study guide.) Selected Fabliaux (PDF file, 21 pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard):  "The Wife of Orleans"; "The Miller and the Two Clerics"; "Beranger Longbottom" (by Garin); "The Petticoat" (by Jean de Condé); "The Man Who Had A Quarrelsome Wife" (by Marie de France); "The Cunt that Was Made with the Shovel"; "The Judgment on Cunts."  (Except as noted, texts date from the 13th century and the authors are unknown -- as is true of the vast majority of medieval fabliaux.)  Read these selections AFTER familiarizing yourself with the information on the fabliau genre on my ENGL 330/512 study guide for the Miller's Tale. Selections from The Fifteen Joys of Marriage (PDF file, 7 pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard): Prologue, Joys # 1, 5, 10, Conclusion.  (Oversized pages with small amount of large-character text in original have been reduced; there are 8 pp. of text on each page of the PDF file.) Research Presentation(s) on Romance of Silence and/or on ONE of the new readings assigned above (no more than three presentations total on Romance of Silence; no more than two presentations per class day):

Week 6    (October 27 - 29)
 

Day 1	Medieval Misogyny, III: Vernacular Attacks on Women and Marriage (Fabliaux, The Fifteen Joys of Marriage, and The Romance of the Rose) As needed, we will complete our discussion of the misogynistic readings assigned for last class (selected fabliaux; selections from The Fifteen Joys of Marriage). New Readings: selections from Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun, The Romance of the Rose. Maxwell Luria, "Analytical Outlines of the Roman de la Rose" (.PDF file, 3 pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard).  This short REQUIRED READING is intended to give you an idea of how our selections from Guillaume de Lorris's and Jean de Meun's texts of the Romance of the Rose fit into the work as a whole.  Chapter 9 of Maxwell Luria, A Reader's Guide to the Roman de la Rose (Hamden, CN: Archon Books, 1982), pp. 88-92; this book is available in the library's collections under the call number PQ1528 .L8.1982. Women Defamed and Women Defended, 148-166 (introduction to and selections from Jean de Meun's portion of the Romance of the Rose); .PDF file, pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard). Headnote to the chapter and to Jean de Meun (pp. 148-9) should be read before beginning other Rose selections. Online Reading:  ENGL 439 Rose Study Guide (covers the next three sets of e-reserve readings taken from the Romance of the Rose); be sure to PRINT THIS ONLINE READING OUT and BRING IT WITH YOU TO CLASS! Romance of the Rose, Selections 1 (PDF file, 8 pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard).  Principally drawn from Guillaume de Lorris's section of the poem.  Read these selections using the ENGL 439 Rose Study Guide which contains important info on the Romance of the Rose and guidance on what to look for in these selections!! Romance of the Rose, Selections 2 (PDF file, 14 pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard).  Read these selections using the ENGL 439 Rose Study Guide, which explains how these selections are connected to Chaucer's Wife of Bath. Romance of the Rose, Selections 3 (PDF file, 14 pp., on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard).  Read these selections using the using the ENGL 439 Rose Study Guide, which will prepare you to understand Christine de Pizan's reactions to the misogyny of the Rose (the subject of our next class meeting). Also fun (but not required reading!): : Women Defamed and Women Defended, pp. 130-144 (anti-feminist tales from The Book of the Wiles of Women and from Gautier le Leu's "The Widow"). Research Presentation(s) possible on the fabliau genre (with examples drawn from assigned readings); on the Fifteen Joys of Marriage; from Guillaume de Lorris's portion of the Romance of the Rose; and/or from Jean de Meun's portion of the Romance of the Rose (no more than two total, each on a different topic:	Research Archive Assignment 5: Using NETLIBRARY (ebooks available from Kennedy Library Subscription Databases) PRELIMINARIES: review information on electronic modes of access and read carefully through the profile of Netlibrary on Dr. Schwartz's Guide to Kennedy Library Research Tools.  Be clear about what it is, when and how to use it, its strengths and its limitations.  Know what to add to the bibliographic citation of an ebook accessed through a subscription database like NetLibrary.  Then, click on the link to read through the detailed instructions for the next research assignment: Research Step 5: Searching the E-books in NetLibrary.  Ask Dr. Schwartz in class (or at an office hour) if you have questions about what you need to do.. RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT:   The detailed instructions in Research Step 5: Searching the E-books in NetLibrary will guide you as you learn to search directly in the e-books found in NetLibrary, another of Cal Poly's subscription databases. The directions will also help you prepare your next research report for the class research archive, "NetLibraryResults."   Research reports are due by FRIDAY of the week after the week on which they appear on the Class Calendar (i.e., this final report is due by F 11/7). * * * * * Continue work on RESEARCH PAPER PROSPECTUS, OUTLINE AND WORKING BIBLIOGRAPHY, DUE IN IN CLASS ON W 11/5 (or with prior permission, via email attachment in a file called "[yourlastname].doc" submitted by email NO LATER THAN 6 PM ON FRIDAY, 11/7 ).   * * * * * Begin review for Midterm Exam.
Day 2	Defending Women I:  Christine de Pizan's reactions to the Romance of the Rose As needed, continued discussion of The Romance of the Rose selections assigned for last class meeting, followed by Christine's two explicit reactions to the Romance of the Rose (Consultation of the relevant portions of the study guide is strongly advised!)  Christine and the Rose 1: The God of Love's Letter.  Read introductory statements  pp. 278-9 in Women Defamed and Women Defended (in 10-page .PDF file, on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard); read text of the letter in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 15-29. Christine and the Rose 2: the debate on the Romance of the Rose.  Selections from Women Defamed and Women Defended, pp. 286-289 (in 10-page .PDF file, on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard). Additional selections from The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 41-45. If you do not have a copy of WDWD, be sure to PRINT OUT/PHOTOCOPY ASSIGNED PAGES AND BRING THEM WITH YOU TO CLASS!  (Remember that there is one copy of Woman Defamed, Woman Defended on 2-hour/overnight reserve for ENGL 439 in the Kennedy Library under the call number PR1912.A2 W65 1992, if you prefer to photocopy rather than print from the .PDF files.). Also Recommended:  Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski, "Christine de Pizan and the Misogynistic Tradition," in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 297-311. Beatrice Gottlieb, "The Problem of Feminism in the Fifteenth Century," in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 274-97. No more than one Research Presentations on Christine's explicit reactions to the Romance of the Rose:

Week 7    (November 3 - 5)

RESEARCH PAPER PROSPECTUS, OUTLINE AND WORKING BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE  IN CLASS ON WEDNESDAY 11/5 (or with prior permission, via email attachment NO LATER THAN 6 PM ON FRIDAY, 11/7 ).

ALSO NOTE:  Deadline to correct or update previously submitted Research Progress Reports, to submit a late report for partial credit, and to submit at least one ILL article to the class ILL Article Repository is MIDNIGHT on F 10/14.
 
 

Day 1	Continued discussion of Christine's reactions to vernacular misogyny.  REVIEW:  Lamentations of Matheolus (WDWD pp. 148, 177-197); .PDF file (11 pp.) is on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard; originally assigned week 2 (W 10/1).  Note that Jehan le Fèvre's Lamentations of Matheolus is the highly misogynistic text which Christine says was her catalyst for writing The City of Ladies.  (There are also multiple references to it in the Wife of Bath's Prologue). New Required Reading: Christine de Pizan, The City of Ladies. Selections printed in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 116-155, and in Women Defamed and Women Defended, pp. 289-302 (in 10-page .PDF file, on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard). Don't worry about all the details in the long selections found in your Christine textbook; look for statements that deal explicitly with her reactions to medieval misogyny, the issue of education for women, and/or being a  women writer. Also Recommended:  Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski, "Christine de Pizan and the Misogynistic Tradition," in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 297-311. Beatrice Gottlieb, "The Problem of Feminism in the Fifteenth Century," in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 274-97. No more than one research presentation on The City of Ladies:  Mike	Don't forget that your PROSPECTUS, OUTLINE AND WORKING BIBLIOGRAPHY are DUE  this Wednesday  (11/5 -- or with prior permission, via email attachment in a file called "[yourlastname].doc" submitted by email NO LATER THAN 6 PM ON FRIDAY, 11/7).  NOTE: I will accept your prospectus via email in an attached Word document.  If submitted as an attachment, please save your document as [yourlastname].doc. IN CLASS: Sign up for a conference during weeks 8 and 9 for feedback on your research prospectus weeks. NOTE:  THE DEADLINE FOR ALL REPORTS TO YOUR CLASS RESEARCH ARCHIVE AND FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS TO THE CLASS ILL ARTICLE REPOSITORY IS MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY, 11/14.  Take the time NOW to post any remaining research progress reports and to upload your ILL article(s) to the repository!  Remember, your reports are the "roadmap" of your research steps, intended primarily to HELP YOUR CLASSMATES who may wish to bring "your" text or film into their own research projects.  So please be as DETAILED AND SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE -- and especially, BE SURE TO POST A LIST OF THE ITEMS YOU HAVE CHECKED OUT OF KENNEDY LIBRARY OR ORDERED FROM ILL AND LINK+!! Please do this NOW, while your reports and ILL submissions can still be of use to your classmates in their research projects!! (Not to mention, of use to YOU as I calculate the "Participation" portion of your final course grade!)   * * * * * Continue review for Midterm Exam.
Day 2	Gender and the Woman Writer. Selections from autobiographical portions of The Book of Fortune's Transformation, Christine's Vision and The Path of Long Study, in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan.  Required Readings: Review selections from The Book of Fortune's Transformation, sections 1.1-1.6, 1.10-1.12. (pp. 88-107, assigned week 5) From Christine's Vision:  read the Introduction, pp. 173-5; from Part I, sections 5-6 only (pp. 177-8); and all selections pp. 180-201. Look for comments on the education of women or on being a woman writer. From The Path of Long Study: read the Introduction, pp. 59-60; text, pp. 60-75 and 86-7. As you read, look for comments on the education of women, on being a woman writer, and/or on misogynistic literary traditions; you can ignore the rest. . . Also Recommended:  Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski, "Christine de Pizan and the Misogynistic Tradition," in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 297-311. Beatrice Gottlieb, "The Problem of Feminism in the Fifteenth Century," in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 274-97. Up to two Research Presentations on The Book of Fortune's Transformation, Christine's Vision and/or The Path of Long Study (only one per text):

NOTE:  Deadline to correct or update previously submitted Research Progress Reports, to submit a late report for partial credit, and to submit at least one ILL article to the class ILL Article Repository is MIDNIGHT on F 10/14.

Week 8    (November  10 - 12)
 

Day 1	Christine de Pizan catch-up day. Required Secondary Readings:  Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski, "Christine de Pizan and the Misogynistic Tradition," in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 297-311. Beatrice Gottlieb, "The Problem of Feminism in the Fifteenth Century," in The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 274-97.	Continue review for Midterm Exam. Scheduled conferences with Dr. Schwartz to discuss Paper Prospectus. REMEMBER:  THE DEADLINE FOR ALL REPORTS TO YOUR CLASS RESEARCH ARCHIVE AND FOR YOUR SUBMISSIONS TO THE CLASS ILL ARTICLE REPOSITORY IS MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY, 11/14.  Take the time NOW to post any remaining research progress reports and to upload your ILL article(s) to the repository!  Remember, your reports are the "roadmap" of your research steps, intended primarily to HELP YOUR CLASSMATES who may wish to bring "your" text or film into their own research projects.  So please be as DETAILED AND SPECIFIC AS POSSIBLE -- and especially, BE SURE TO POST A LIST OF THE ITEMS YOU HAVE CHECKED OUT OF KENNEDY LIBRARY OR ORDERED FROM ILL AND LINK+!! Please do this NOW, while your reports and ILL submissions can still be of use to your classmates in their research projects!! (Not to mention, of use to YOU as I calculate the "Participation" portion of your final course grade!)
Day 2	Body vs. Spirit: Mysticism and Feminine Spirituality (Margery Kempe and Julian of Norwich) Margery Kempe and Julian of Norwich selections, from the Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Middle Ages, 7th ed., vol. 1a, pp. 366-79 (or access them electronically). Required readings: Julian of Norwich, Norton Anthology excerpts from A Book of Showings (aka the Revelations of Divine Love), on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard) (PDF file, 7 pp.), or find them in your Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Middle Ages, 7th ed., vol. 1a, pp. 355-66.  If you do not have a copy of the book, be sure to PRINT OUT THESE E-RESERVE READINGS AND BRING THEM WITH YOU TO CLASS!  Norton Anthology excerpts from The Book of Margery Kempe, on e-reserve in the Library Resources section of Blackboard (PDF file, 7 pp.); selections taken from the Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Middle Ages, 7th ed., vol. 1a, pp. 366-79.   If you do not have a copy of the book, be sure to PRINT OUT THESE E-RESERVE READINGS AND BRING THEM WITH YOU TO CLASS!  (or access them electronically: Critical essay on Margery Kempe and Julian of Norwich: Lynn Staley Johnson, "The Trope of the Scribe and the Question of Literary Authority in the Works of Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe," Speculum 66.4. (Oct., 1991): 820-838. PRINT IT OUT AND BRING WITH YOU TO CLASS.  Try this link ; or search directly in JSTOR (Cal Poly login required). Research presentation(s): no more than two total; no more than one on each work.  Margery Kempe: Dani Julian of Norwich:

Week 9   (November 17 - 19)
 

Day 1	Review Session (student-led)	Complete review for Midterm Exam.  Scheduled conferences with Dr. Schwartz to discuss Paper Prospectus. Thereafter: begin work on Research paper (due at time of the Final Oral Exercise, or no later than WEDNESDAY, 12/10, un less an extension has been arranged IN ADVANCE!!).
Day 2	Midterm Exam.

Week 10a  (November 24 - 26)
 

Day 1	Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales 1 Defending Women 2:  The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale.  Read the WB's Prologue and Tale (CT 276-310 OR CT 258 -292, depending on edition), AND CONSULT THE NOTES to the WBP as printed in Women Defamed and Women Defended, pp.198-222 (.PDF file, 13 pp.); pay particular attention to notes which point out misogynistic works and authors to which she is reacting  (there is one copy of the textbook on 2-hour/overnight reserve if you prefer to photocopy this assignment).  Marisa (The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale) Anti-feminism? The Clerk's Tale (Canterbury Tales 320-56)  Nathan (Clerk's Tale)	Work on Research paper (due at time of the Final Oral Exercise, or no later than WEDNESDAY, 12/10, un less an extension has been arranged IN ADVANCE!!).
Day 2	No class meeting -- HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Week 10b  (December 1-3)
 

Day 1	Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales 2: Courtly love? The Franklin's Tale (Canterbury Tales 407-433).  Consultation of the study guides (follow links) is strongly advised.   The Nun's Priest's Tale (Canterbury Tales 214-31) As needed: wrap up discussion of The Clerk's Tale Tyler (The Franklin's Tale) As time permits: start The Nun's Priest's Tale	Work on Research paper (due at time of the Final Oral Exercise, or no later than WEDNESDAY, 12/10, un less an extension has been arranged IN ADVANCE!!).
Day 2	Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales 3: Just fabliaux? The Miller's Tale (Canterbury Tales 86-106) and The Merchant's Tale (Canterbury Tales 357-88). Consultation of The Miller's Tale study guide strongly advised.  Two Research Presentations (one on each tale). As needed, complete discussion of The Nun's Priest's Tale Will (the Merchant's Tale) As time permits: The Miller's Tale

In lieu of a traditional final exam, our final conversation will allow each student will tell his/her classmates about his final project for the class.  This conversation will ideally take place in conjunction with a celebratory Class Dinner at my home, to be scheduled at a mutually convenient time on either the week-end before finals or no later than WEDNESDAY OF EXAM WEEK.  Please note that I am unavailable on Tuesday 12/9 due to another scheduled exam.  While the "final conversation" will be graded Pass/Fail, it is a required component of the class.  If we are unable to schedule a class dinner, we will meet in our usual classroom during the scheduled final exam time, 1:10 - 4:00 PM on Wednesday, 12/10, for a short objective final exam (no essay component) covering the assigned Chaucer readings (approximately one hour) followed by your (short) paper presentations in the final two hours.

For Fall, 2008, our class dinner has been scheduled on MONDAY, 12/8, starting at 5 PM.

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