NOTE: some required readings are to be 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" 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.
• Other readings may be found in Kennedy Library subscription databases.  To access these 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.

Week 2   (September 24-26)
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment  (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	The Classical Model:  Ovid as Poet of Love Required Readings: Ovid: The Art of Love("Ars amatoria," in The Love Poems, pp. 87-149) and The Cures for Love ("Remedia amoris," in The Love Poems, pp. 151-173). On electronic reserve (under Library Resources in Blackboard): Peter L. Allen, "The Illusion of Love, the Love of Illusion: The Ars Amatoria and Remedia Amoris" (.PDF file, 16 pp.; chapter 1 of Allen's The Art of Love: Amatory Fiction from Ovid to the Romance of the Rose [Philadelphia: U of Pennsylvania P, 1992], pp. 15-37; this book is on reserve for ENGL 439.)	Research Assignment (to be completed before today's class): SKIM your MLA Handbook chapters on Research and Writing, the Mechanics of Writing, and the Format of the Research Paper (so you'll know what's there), and read carefullythe sections on italics vs. underliningand on the Titles of Works (in the chapter called the Mechanics of Writing). You will need to be clear about these rules in order to write correct bibliographic citations (as you will start doing as part of the "Kennedy Library Results" research report submitted for our next class meeting, 4/7), so be prepared to ask any questions you may have at our class meeting today (4/5).  When you come to class today (Tuesday, 4/5), you should 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 -- you must pick ONE and use it CONSISTENTLY. 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 another 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.  (There are specific rules you must follow; do not simply copy the formatting found on the title page of the work in question, or you are likely to lose points for incorrect formatting of your bibliographic citations.) Be aware that this information is fair game for your Midterm Exam! 2) If you have not already signed up for an Oral Presentation date, check the Schedule of Oral Presentations and decide which of the remaining dates/topics you are most interested in (including some alternates!); sign-ups will continue in class today!
Day 2	[As needed: complete discussion of the Ars amatoria and the Remedia Amoris.] NEW Required Readings:  Ovid, Amores I #1-5, 9, 15; II # 1, 5, 12, 15, 17-19; III # 1-2, 7, 14 & 15.  In The Love Poems.  On electronic reserve (under Library Resources in Blackboard):  selections from Virgil's Aeneid (ca. 29-19 BC; .PDF file, 36 pp.) and from the anonymous Anglo-Norman Romance of Eneas (ca.1160; .PDF file, 47 pp.). Consultation of the study guide for these texts is strongly advised! Also recommended: Peter L. Allen, "From Rome to France: Under the Sign of Ovid." chapter 2 of Allen's The Art of Love: Amatory Fiction from Ovid to the Romance of the Rose (book on reserve for ENGL 439.)	Homework:  Read carefully through the profile of Polycat on Dr. Schwartz's Guide to Kennedy Library Research Tools.  Be sure you are clear about what it is, what Polycat contains, when (and why) to use it, its strengths and its limitations. Then, click on the link for detailed instructions for your first research assignment: Research Step 1: Kennedy Library via Polycat.  ASK DR. SCHWARTZ IN CLASS if you have any questions on what you need to do. By following the directions in Research Step 1: Kennedy Library via Polycat, you should be able to find some  useful secondary sources -- which are studies ABOUT your author, topic or work, not an edition or translation of the text itself  -- in the Kennedy Library collections. The directions will also guide you through submitting your first two research reports to the class research archive, "Searching Polycat" and "Kennedy Library Results." 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 439" from the classes you are taking; you will either be taken directly to the Research Archive or can get there by clicking on "Discussion Board" and entering the "forum" for the topic you are researching.  (I will create a separate "forum" for each reading.)

Week 3    (October 1-3)
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment  (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	[As needed: complete discussion of Virgil's Aeneid and its mid-12th-century adaptation, the Anglo-Norman Romance of Eneas.] Required Reading:  Andreas Capellanus, The Art of Courtly Love, Book I (pp. 27-150).  Please do NOT read the (dated and highly inaccurate) Introduction to this textbook (pp. 3-27) !!  Instead, read  pp. 11-20 of Toril Moi, "Desire In Language: Andreas Capellanus and the Controversy of Courtly Love" (.PDF file, 12 pp.; text on electronic reserve under Library Resources in Blackboard).  While the end of this essay is somewhat tough going (and not necessary for our class), pp. 11-20 (the first 5 pages of the file) offer a helpful overview of some wildly different interpretations which have been offered for Andreas's text. NOTE: Andreas's bizarre text is not exactly a page-turner. . . but it is important for our understanding of literary depictions of love in the middle ages; it provides a literary bridge between Ovid's Ars amatoria / Remedia amoris and the two texts of the Romance of the Rose, and it will help you understand where C.S. Lewis (and others) came up with some of his theory of so-called "courtly love."  So: as you slog through Andreas, don't sweat the details! Feel free to skim, espeically in the various dialogues between different types of lovers.  As you read, look for the following: clues that the author is a cleric rather than a courtier (and that his target audience is other clerics, not court ladies and knightst); clues that the author is reworking Ovid's Ars amatoria and the Remedia amoris and that his status as a supposed "teacher" of  "Love" is modelled on the authorial persona in Ovid's works; clues that the author is satirizing the love depicted in courtly literature and that he looks down on the (vernacular) literature which explores love relationships for a courtly audience; take note of references to Marie de Champagne and her mother Eleanor of Aquitaine -- champions of vernacular love literature and the patrons of many court poets.  Be aware that these references caused an earlier generation of critics (such as C.S. Lewis) to believe (naively) that Andreas shared their views on courtly love and was writing the "theory" of "courtly love" at Marie's request.	Homework:  Read carefully through the description of LINK+ and its profile on 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 for 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. By following the directions in Research Step 2: Using LINK+, you will learn how to use LINK+ to order additional secondary sources from cooperating libraries.  LINK+ can be used to order books only -- not journal articles.  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."
Day 2	[As needed: complete discussion of Book I of Andreas Capellanus's The Art of Courtly Love.] Required Reading:  Andreas Capellanus, The Art of Courtly Love, Books II-III (pp.151-212). NOTE:  The same comments apply to Books II-III as are noted above for Book I.  It's OK to skim, as long as you keep an eye out for the issues listed above (bullet points under Book I assignment) and also consider the following points:  Consider how the text (as a whole) is constructed.  How and to what extent does it follow the model of Ovid's Ars Amatoria + Remedia Amoris?  Notice the latent misogyny behind the supposed glorification of "courtly love."  Look for more details that led earlier scholars to think (naively) that Andreas  had set out to write the "theory" of courtly love as it was practiced at the court of the Countess Marie of Champagne, his supposed patron (e.g. the references to the Countess Marie and to her "decisions in love cases" pp.  104-107 and 167-177; see also the "Rules of Love" listed and/or referred to pp. 81-2, 177-8 and 184-186).  If you notice these elements in the text, you've got what we need out of Andreas. . . so again, don't sweat the details! ALSO RECOMMENDED (on reserve for ENGL 439): Peter L. Allen, "The Diligent Reader and the Twofold Text: Andreas Capellanus and the Rhetoric of Love." (Chapter 3 of Allen's The Art of Love, book on reserve for ENGL 439.) Donald A. Monson, "Auctoritas and Intertextuality in Andreas Capellanus' De Amore." In Poetics of Love in the Middle Ages: Texts and Contexts, ed. Moshe Lazar and Norris J. Lacy (Fairfax, VA: George Mason UP, 1989), pp. 69-79. (Volume available through LINK+; essay may also be made available on electronic reserve.) NOTE: have a look at one or both of the recommended essays if Andreas would be useful as you develop your research project . . . otherwise, you can safely bid Andreas farewell and move on to the Fun Stuff (which starts next week -- hooray!)	Homework: 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 for detailed instructions for the third 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 any questions on what you need to do. 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 Bibliographyto identify additional secondary sources on your topic and Interlibrary Loan to access articles and books which are not available 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).

Week 4    (October 8-10)
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment  (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	The Tristan tradition.  Required Readings:  Online background reading:  Tristan study guide (click on link to access; be sure to print out and bring with you to class).  This background reading will help you distinguish between three distinct medieval Tristan texts assigned for today: 1) Béroul, The Romance of Tristan, a fragmentary romance of the so-called "common tradition."  Read the whole text printed in the textbook, but be aware that italicized passages are NOT actually from Béroul's Tristan romance; they were inserted by the translator to stand in for episodes missing from the fragmentary Béroul manuscripts.  Italicized passages are taken from the "reconstruction" of the "whole" Tristan story created by French scholar Joseph Bedier (in 1900); Bedier took these episodes from other medieval Tristan works, including . . . .  2) The stand-alone episode of "Tristan's Madness," printed pp. 151-164 of your textbook (as "chapter 18").  Not actually part of Béroul's romance, this "chapter 18" was originally a stand-alone Tristan poem, slightly different versions of which are found in two different manuscripts.  Like Béroul's romance, the episode of "Tristan's Madness" printed in our text is part of the so-called "common tradition." 3) The extant fragments of Thomas's Tristan (.PDF file, 33 pp.; text on electronic reserve under Library Resources in Blackboard).  Thomas's romance offers a rival version of the story, part of the so-called "courtly tradition"; it has come down to us only in these fragmentary episodes.  Conveniently, the extant Thomas fragments focus on the end of the lovers' story, not covered in the extant fragments of Béroul's romance. NOTE:  Marie de France's "Chevrefoil," assigned for our next class meeting, is also a medieval Tristan text. Also recommended (NOT required reading, but of interest because of its wide influence):  the opening chapter of Denis de Rougemont's Love in the Western World  (this book is on reserve for ENGL 439-02). Possible Research Presentation(s) (anyone signing up to present today should focus on either Thomas OR Beroul, but not on both):	Homework: Read about electronic modes of access and the profiles of the four full-text journal databases we will be using 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.  ASK DR. SCHWARTZ IN CLASS if you have any questions on what you need to do. The detailed instructions in Research Step 4: Using Full-Text Subscription Databases 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."
Day 2	NEW READINGS: Marie de France, selected Lais: Guigemar, Equitan, Bisclavret, Lanval, Yonec, Chevrefoil. (Short and fun readings; note that "Chevrefoil" is another Tristan text!)  Consultation of the Engl 203/252 Study Guide is highly recommended; includes comments on all assigned lais except Equitan). Research Presentation(s)  (each should focus on a different specific lai; no more than TWO unless all other presentation topics/days have at least one presentation):  (on ?) (on ?)	Homework: 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 for detailed instructions for the fourth research assignment: Research Step 5: Searching the E-books in NetLibrary.  ASK DR. SCHWARTZ IN CLASS if you have any questions on what you need to do. The detailed instructions in Research Step 5: Searching the E-books in NetLibrary will guide you as you learn to search directly in the ebooks 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."

Week 5    (October 15-17)
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment  (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	Chrétien de Troyes, The Knight of the Lion (Yvain).  Arthurian Romances 295-380.  READ WHOLE TEXT BY CLASS TIME. Up to two research presentation(s):	Click on the link and follow the guidelines to begin work on the Prospectus and Working Bibliography for your Research Paper, due in class on W 10/31 (or with prior permission, NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY, November 2).  Note 1: the Prospectus is normally an ungraded exercise allowing me to provide feedback that will help you write a stronger final research paper.  But if no prospectus is submitted (or if it does not follow assignment guidelines), it will count for 10% of the final course grade.  Note 2: I will use your Paper Prospectus and Working Bibliography to help me grade the "Paper Preview" section on the midterm, so do them carefully and be sure to submit them by the deadline!
Day 2	Chrétien de Troyes, The Knight of the Cart (Lancelot).  Arthurian Romances 207-294.  READ WHOLE TEXT BY CLASS TIME.  Consultation of study guide strongly advised! Up to two research presentation(s):	Continue work on paper prospectus, due in class on W 10/31 (or with prior permission, NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY, November 2).

Week 6    (October 22-24) TH OCT 25 TO ENGL COUNCIL SAN DIEGO
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment  (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	The Romance of the Rose. Introduction (pp. ix-xxii); Guillaume de Lorris's whole poem (pp. 3-61); translatio episode from Jean de Meun's continuation (found at the midpoint of the conjoined poems, pp. 154-164). You may also find it helpful to consult the plot summary in the Introduction,  pp. ix-xii. As you read the selections from the Rose, you may find it useful to consult the following ENGL 203 study guides:  Rose I (general background -- what is the Romance of the Rose, anyway?); Rose II (contexts for the Wife of Bath); and Rose III (contexts for Christine de Pizan) -- BUT PLEASE BE AWARE THAT PAGE NUMBERS ON STUDY GUIDE DO NOT CORRESPOND TO PAGES IN OUR TEXT. Research Presentation on Guillaume de Lorris:	Continue work on paper prospectus, due in class on W 10/31 (or with prior permission, NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY, November 2).  Begin review for Midterm Exam.
Day 2	Jean de Meun's Romance of the Rose, "chapters" 4-7 (pp. 62-224).  Read these chapters in their entirety if you have time, but if time is pressing, read the following pages and skim over the rest:  62-71, 84-91, 104-121, 137-168, 182-224.  You may also find it helpful to consult the plot summary in the Introduction,  pp. x-xii. These selections include the beginning and end of each "chapter" as well as key passages that build on themes discussed in class (e.g. clerical misogyny, connections to Ovid and/or Andreas Capellanus, and whether by "love" Jean de Meun means anything other than simply "sex") and/or which provide a context for future readings (e.g. Christine de Pizan's reactions to the Romance of the Rose; the Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale) . Possible research presentation(s): on Jean de Meun (or related topic; must focus primarily on reading assigned for today) Possible topic: The Old Woman as source of the Wife of Bath	Continue work on paper prospectus, due in class on W 10/31 (or with prior permission, NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY, November 2).  Continue review for Midterm Exam.

Week 7    (October 29-31) [MA EXAM F/Sat]
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment  (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	Jean de Meun's Romance of the Rose: "chapters" 8-12 (pp. 225-335). You may also find it helpful to consult the plot summary in the Introduction,  pp. x-xii. Possible research presentation(s): on Jean de Meun (or related topic; must focus primarily on reading assigned for today)	Continue review for Midterm Exam. Put final touches on Research Prospectus, due at our next class meeting  (or with prior permission, NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY, November 2).
Day 2	Christine and the Rose (click on link for HIGHLY RECOMMENDED study guide used in another class) Required Readings:  The God of Love's Letter  (The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 15-29); Excerpts from The debate on the Romance of the Rose (The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 41-45);  Excerpts from The Book of the City of Ladies (The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, pp. 116-137, 144 bottom-155).  NOTE: The Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan is a recommended text which you may have purchased for ENGL 439 (or may still have a copy of if you took ENGL 203 with me); the readings may also be available on e-reserve.  If you do not have a copy of the book, be sure to PRINT OUT THESE READINGS AND BRING THEM WITH YOU TO CLASS! Consultation of the study guide is strongly advised! Research presentation(s):  on Christine de Pizan's reactions to the Rose (each should focus on a different text; no more than TWO possible unless all other topics/days have at least one presentation):	Continue review for Midterm Exam. Turn in you paper Prospectusin class today (or with prior permission, NO LATER THAN NOON ON FRIDAY, November 2).  IN CLASS: Sign up for conference for feedback on your research prospectus weeks 8 or 9.

Paper Prospectus must be turned in to me in person (or placed in my mailbox in the main English office) no later than NOON on Friday, November 2.

Week 8    (November 5-7) [MA GRADING MONDAY AM]
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	MIDTERM EXAM	If you have not already done so, be sure to sign up in class for a conference time this or next week for feedback on your research prospectus.
Day 2	Chaucer, Troilus and Cressida, pts. I-II (Portable Chaucer, 345-426).  You are strongly advised to consult Troilus and Cressida study guide.  Up to two Research Presentation(s) on an aspect of pts. I-II:	Continue work on Research paper. If you have not already done so, be sure to sign up in class today for a conference time week 8 or 9 for feedback on your research prospectus.

Week 9    (November 12-14)
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment  (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	VETERAN'S DAY OBSERVED -- NO CLASS	Continue work on Research paper.
Day 2	Chaucer, Troilus and Cressida, pts. III-V (Portable Chaucer, 427-555). Use Troilus and Cressida study guide to guide your reading!  Up to two Research Presentation(s) on an aspect of pts. III-V:	Continue work on Research paper.

 

Week 10a    (November 19-21)
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment  (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales II: The Knight's Tale (Portable Chaucer, 76-123) and The Miller's Tale (Portable Chaucer, 123-143).  Consultation of The Knight's Tale study guide and The Miller's Tale study guide strongly advised! Two Research Presentations (one on each tale). The Knight's Tale:  The Miller's Tale:	Continue work on Research paper.
Day 2	THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY -- NO CLASS	Continue work on Research paper.

Week 10b    (November 26-28)
 

	Topic and Readings	Research Assignment  (Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1	Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales I: The Nun's Priest's Tale (Portable Chaucer, 186-206) and The Merchant's Tale (Portable Chaucer, 264-291).  Consultation of The Nun's Priest's Tale study guide strongly advised.  For information on the fabliau (the genre of the Merchant's Tale), consultation of The Miller's Tale study guide strongly advised.  Two Research Presentations (one on each tale). The Nun's Priest's Tale:  The Merchant's Tale:	Continue work on Research paper.
Day 2	Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales III: The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale (Portable Chaucer, 239-240) and The Franklin's Tale (Portable Chaucer, 292-314).  Consultation of the two study guides is strongly advised!  Two Research Presentations (one on each tale). The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale:  The Franklin's Tale:  Optional reading: the influential (but flawed) essay by George Lyman Kittredge on the "Marriage Group" (online); read it (if you do) with a critical eye!	Continue work on Research paper.

In lieu of a written final exam, all students will participate in a Final Oral Exercise:  a brief summary of his/her final research paper, presented to the other members of the seminar.  If possible, this (required) final oral exercise will be scheduled in conjunction with an (optional) class dinner, at Dr. Schwartz's home, on the Sunday prior to, or no later than Wednesday of, exam week (December 2-5). If no common evening time can be found, the final oral exercise will take place on campus at our regularly scheduled exam time: Wednesday, December 5, 2007, from 1:10-4:00 PM.

Unless an extension has been arranged in advance, Research Papers are due, along with the original marked up prospectus, no later than Wednesday, 12/5; you  may turn them in to me in person on the last day of class, during an Exam Week Office Hour, or at the time of our final oral exercise.

Contents of this and all linked pages Copyright Debora B. Schwartz, 1999-2007

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