ENGL 512: Medieval Literature
Course Calendar, Spring 2007


Spring, 2007 Class Meetings:
TR 4:10-6:00, 34-228
Office: 47-35G, tel. 756-2636 
Office Hours: MW 2:30-4:00, TR 2:00-3:30, and by appt.
Dr. Debora B. Schwartz 
http://www.calpoly.edu/~dschwart
Main English Office:  756-2597
e-mail: dschwart@calpoly.edu

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Click on the links below to access Study Guides for each assigned text.  Study Guides should be PRINTED OUT and placed in a binder of course materials that you should bring with you to EACH CLASS MEETING.  Other links provide access to required readings which I have placed on my website (called "online readings" on course calendar) or which are on E-Reserve through the Kennedy Library.  To access e-reserve readings, click on the link on the course calendar (or on the e-reserve list for ENGL 512) and type in your last name and library barcode (the 14-digit number beginning 20150 on the front of your PolyCard) at the prompt.  Reminder:  you are expected to PRINT OUT online and e-reserve readings, place them in your binder, and bring them with you to class.

Page numbers on reading assignments from the Norton Anthology of English Literature refer to the 8th. ed., vol. 1a (2006), the required textbook for this class. Because the website update is in progress, please do not print out study guides for the whole quarter this week. As of 4/3/07, the NA page numbers below have been updated, but Study Guides still refer to pages numbers in the NA 7th tedition.  I will endeavor to have the update complete for the whole quarter's course materials ASAP. Until I have completed the website update, you can expect that NA page numbers on the Study Guides for the current and next week of the quarter will be accurate.

Week 1 (April 3-5)
 
Topics Readings  Research Assignment 
Day 1 Course format, schedule and requirements.

Introduction to Medieval Textuality.

Introduction to Old English: the Anglo-Saxon Tradition.

In class:  Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People, including transcription of Caedmon's Hymn.  NA 24-27. 

Background: NA 1-7; 15; 19-22; W. F. Bolton, "The Conditions of Literary Composition in Medieval England" (the preceding link is to the Bolton reading study guide; click HERE to access and PRINT OUT the Bolton reading as a  .PDF file, 15 pp., on e-reserve).  Complete these readings before the second week of class.

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 which you will learn to use week 3).

Be aware that, 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. (This optional assignment can be submitted for extra credit.)

Day 2 Heroic Values:  Pagan and Christian in dream vision and epic. The Dream of the Rood, NA 27-9; Beowulf  1 (up to "The Dragon Wakes") NA 29-80.

Background: NA 1-7; 15; 19-22; 27; 29-33.

W. F. Bolton, "The Conditions of Literary Composition in Medieval England" (the preceding link is to the Bolton reading study guide; click HERE to access and PRINT OUT the Bolton reading as a  .PDF file, 15 pp., on e-reserve).  Complete this readings before the second week of class.

Read COMPLETELY through class homepage and this calendar of assignments. 

Read through the oral research presentation guidelines and the schedule of oral presentations. to decide on your preferred dates/topics; sign-ups in class on Thursday.

EVERYONE: in your MLA Handbook, please review sections 3.3 on  italics/underlining and 3.6 on the titles of works (proper capitalization , punctuation, and how to handle titles within titles; (chapter/section numbers listed above refer to 6th ed., 2003).  You will need to be clear on this information to write bibliographic citations for this class.  Please also peruse section 3.2.7 on apostophes (and sections on any other punctuation mark you consistently have problems with. . .) 

Additionally, if you did not take ENGL 501 with me, please read through Preliminaries 1: Types of Sources and Preliminaries II: Modes of Access on Dr. Schwartz's Guide to Kennedy Library Research Tools. You need to be know what is meant by the 5 kinds of sources and what modes of access you will be asked to use obtain relevant secondary source material for your research project.  It may also be helpful to know what is meant by "SFX" and "PolySearch"are (and their limitations). By following the links above, you will be taken to the specific parts of my Guide to Kennedy Library Research Tools where this information is provided.  If you find this confusing, please come see me!  Or ask a veteran of my ENGL 501 for some pointers.
 

Week 2 (April 10 - 12)
 
Topic Reading Research Assignment 
(Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1 Heroic Values, Conclusion.

Transition: the effects of the Norman Conquest.

Middle English Secular Values: the Chivalrous Ideal.

1st Hour: Beowulf, conclusion: NA 80-100. 

2nd Hour:  The Middle English world view; women and Romance. Online readings: "Translatio studii et imperii" and Courtly Love

Additional background on the Middle English period:  NA 7-13, Anglo-Norman England and the Fourteenth Century.

Introduction to Chaucer: background CH 1-13, NA 213-16; introduction to Troilus and Cressida CH 345-353 and two handouts on e-reserve (click on links and PRINT THEM OUT): 1) Introduction to Troilus and Cressida (.PDF file, 9 pp.) and 2) opening stanzas of poem in Middle English. (.PDF file, 2 pp.).

Chaucer's lyric poems "Truth" and "Gentilesse". Middle English texts:  "Truth" NA 315 and "Gentilesse" (click link and PRINT OUT this online reading).  Modern translations: CH  602-4.

NOTE:  discussion of these readings may spill over to our next class meeting, but please complete all assigned readings prior to class so you will be able to follow the lecture.

Click on the link for detailed instructions for your first research assignment: Research Step 1: Kennedy Library via Polycat

By following these directions, 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 trhough 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 512" 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 author/text.) 
 

Day 2 Chaucer's Troilus and  Cressida I: Translatio romance Review the introductory materials on Troilus and Cressida assigned for our last class meeting: CH 345-353 and the two handouts on e-reserve: 1) Introduction to Troilus and Cressida (.PDF file, 9 pp.) and 2) opening stanzas of poem in Middle English. (.PDF file, 2 pp.; click links and PRINT THEM OUT if you did not do so prior to last class meeting).

Primary reading: Troilus and Cressida bks. 1-2, CH 353-426.

Click on the link for detailed instructions for the second research assignment: Research Step 2: Using LINK+

By following these directions, 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." 

Week 3 (April 17 - 19)
 
 
Topic Reading Research Assignment 
(Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1 Chaucer's Troilus and  Cressida II: medieval misogyny? Troilus and Cressida bks. 3-5:  CH 426-555. 

Handout on e-reserve (click on link and PRINT OUT): Introduction to and Text of the Prologue to the Legend of Good Women (.PDF file,12 pp.); see also information at CH 599.

Presentation: Morgan Leckie

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!)

By following these directions, you will learn to use the MLA Bibliography to 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).

Day 2 Middle English Spirituality I: the 13th century. Hali Meidhad ("A Letter on Virginity"): background NA 9 (last sentence)-10 (1st paragraph, on ME religious prose); PW xi-xx, xxxviii, xli-xliii; online reading: Introduction to Medieval Allegory; text PW 2-43.

Presentation: Christina Morales

Seinte Margarete: background PW xx-xxv, xxxiv-xxxviii; text PW 44-85.

Click on the link for detailed instructions for the fourth research assignment: Research Step 4: Using Full-Text Subscription Databases

This exercise will guide you as 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."

Week 4 (April 24 - 26)
 
Topic  Reading Research Assignment 
(Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1 Middle English Spirituality II: the Pearl Poet and the Alliterative Revival The Pearl: background NA 10-13, PRL vii-xxi; review  Introduction to Medieval Allegory; text PRL 1-39. (If you were unable to purchase The Pearl, click on the links and PRINT OUT the text [.PDF file, 16 pp.] and the introduction [.PDF file, 10 pp.] on e-reserve.)

Presentation: Hansi Tomlinson

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, through line 669 (text in NA 162-76).

Background NA 10-3, 19-21, 160-2; online reading: The Alliterative Revival; also review Courtly Love and Translatio.

Click on the link for detailed instructions for the fifth research assignment: Research Step 5: Searching the E-books in NetLibrary

This exercise 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."

Day 2 Arthurian Romance I Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, lines 670 - conclusion.  Text NA 176-213.

Presentation:  Larrah Feliciano

Background to Malory: NA 13-14 ("The Fifteenth Century"), 438-9; review Translatio; read Caxton's preface and the divisions of Malory's Le Morte D'arthur (.PDF file, 3 pp., on e-reserve; PRINT OUT and bring with you to class).

1) Click on the link and follow the guidelines to begin work on the Prospectus and Working Bibliographyfor your Research Paper, due by noon on FRIDAY MAY 11 at the latest.  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:  your Prospectus MUST be turned in on Friday, February 11, as I will need it over the week-end to grade the Paper Preview component of your Midterm Exam. 

2) Click on the link for instructions for an OPTIONAL research assignment (which may be completed for Extra Credit): Research Step 6: Finding and Evaluating Web-Based Resources.

Week 5 (May 1 - 3)
 
Topic Reading Research Assignment 
(Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1 Arthurian Romance II Malory's Le Morte D'arthur.  Click here for specific reading assignment

Review NA 12-14, 419-21; Introduction to Medieval Allegory; Translatio; and handout (on electronic reserve) containing Caxton's preface and the divisions of Malory's Le Morte D'arthur (PDF file, 3 pp., on e-reserve; bring PRINT-OUT with you to class).

Continue work on prospectus of Research Paper and working bibliography due by noon on FRIDAY, MAY 11 at the latest.

Begin review for midterm exam (remember, there will be a "Paper Preview" section on the midterm based on your prospectus and working bibliography!!)

Day 2 Malory, cont. Morte D'arthur, cont.  Click here for specific reading assignment. Continue work on prospectus of Research Paper and working bibliography due by noon on FRIDAY, MAY 11 at the latest.

Continue review for midterm exam (remember, there will be a "Paper Preview" section on the midterm based on your prospectus and working bibliography!!)

Week 6 (May 8 - 10)
 
Topic Reading Research Assignment
(Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1 Chaucer's Canterbury Tales I: The General Prologue (Frame Narrative and Estates Satire) Background to Chaucer's Canterbury Tales:  NA 10-13, 216-18.  Review NA 15-19 (on medieval English) and 20-1 (on Middle English prosody); also consult Chaucer Reading and Pronunciation Tips (.PDF file on e-reserve, 2 pp; click link and PRINT OUT if you did not already do so for unit on Troilus and Cressida).  Also consult Map of the Pilgrimage Route/Chart of the Medieval Humors (.PDF file on e-reserve, 2 pp; click link, PRINT OUT and bring with you to class).

General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales: read the NA introduction (NA 218), full text in translation (CH 53-75), and assigned Middle English lines as designated on study guide (full Middle English text of the GP is found NA 218-38).

Frame Narrative:  read NA 312-13 on the Close of the Canterbury Tales; then read the Introduction (only) to the Parson's Tale and full text of Chaucer's Retraction, both in translation (CH 339-342) and in Middle English (NA 313-15).

For this and all other readings from the Canterbury Tales, we are concerned primarily with the modern English translation (in the Portable Chaucer = CH). But you are ALSO expected to read through specific lines in the Middle English text as assigned on study guides (hint 1: try reading aloud! hint 2: some tapes/ CDs may be available in book store, under either ENGL 430 or ENGL 512).   Please bring BOTH NA and PC with you to Canterbury Tales class meetings.

Continue work on prospectus of Research Paper and working bibliography due by noon on FRIDAY, MAY 11 at the latest.

Continue review for midterm exam (remember, there will be a "Paper Preview" section on the midterm based on your prospectus and working bibliography!!)

Day 2 Chaucer's Canterbury Tales II:  The Knight's Tale and The Miller's Tale As needed, wrap-up discussion of the General Prologue and the Canterbury Tales as a collection. Two new readings: 

1) The Knight's Tale, CH 76-123 (not in NA, but see the summary at NA 238). Presentation: Rachael Burruel

2) The Miller's Tale: CH 123-143, NA 239-55 (specific lines recommended on study guide). Presentation: Matt Thomas

YOU ARE ALSO ADVISED TO CONSULT THE ENGL 252 STUDY GUIDE TO THE MILLER'S TALE, WHICH DRAWS SPECIFIC COMPARISONS WITH THE KNIGHT'S TALE.

Don't forget:  prospectus of Research Paper and working bibliography are due by noon TOMORROW, Friday, May 11, at the latest.

Continue review for midterm exam (remember, there will be a "Paper Preview" section on the midterm based on your prospectus and working bibliography!!)

Paper Prospectus due to my mailbox in the main English office by noon on Friday, May 11, at the latest.
Week 7 (May 15 - 17)
 
Topic Reading Research Assignment 
(Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1 MIDTERM EXAM
Day 2 Chaucer's Canterbury Tales III:  The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale (Literary Confession and miniature Arthurian Romance) As needed, wrap-up discussion of the Knight's Tale and the Miller's Tale.  New readings: 
  • The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale: CH 207-240; NA 256-84 (consult specific lines assigned on study guide)
  • Presentations: 1) Amanda Ayres (issues raised by/in the WB's Prologue only); 2) Nicolina Galante (connections between WB's Tale and her Prologue)

  •  
Sign up for Prospectus meeting (individual 1/2 hour conference) in class today.

Work on Research paper.

Week 8 (May 22 - 24)
 
Topic Reading Research Assignment 
(Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1 Canterbury Tales IV: Breton Lay and Beast Fable Work on Research paper.
Day 2 Canterbury Tales V: Literary Confession and Exemplum; the close of the Canterbury Tales and Chaucer's Retraction
  •  The Pardoner's Prologue and Tale: CH 316-335, NA 284-98 (consult specific lines assigned on study guide).  Presentation: Lindsey Clarno
  • NA 312-13 on the close of the Canterbury Tales
  • the Introduction (only) to the Parson's Tale and the full text of Chaucer's Retraction, both in translation (CH 339-342) and in Middle English (NA 313-15).
Work on Research paper.

Week 9  (May 29 - 31)
 
Topic Reading  Research Assignment 
(Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1 The Human Side of God I:  Medieval Lyrics and the Ancrene Wisse  Medieval Lyrics:  NA 367-70 (headnote and all poems) and online readings.

Ancrene Wisse, parts 7 and 8. Presentation: Michelle Lockyer.

Work on Research paper.
Day 2 The Human Side of God II: Women Mystics As needed, wrap-up discussion of the Ancrene Wisse. New Readings: Work on Research paper.

Week 10  (June 5 - 7)
 
Topic Reading Research Assignment 
(Traditional and Web Resources)
Day 1 Liturgical Drama I: Mystery Plays Background: NA 14 (paragraph beginning "Social, economic and literary life. . ."); Introduction to Mystery Plays and headnote to The Second Shepherds' Play (NA 406-8): headnote to The York Play of the Crucifixion (but not the play itself): NA 398. 

The Second Shepherds' Play: text NA 408-35.

Work on Research paper.
Day 2 Liturgical Drama II:  Morality Plays Everyman:  NA 14, 463-84; review  Introduction to Medieval Allegory. 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 for the other members of the seminar.  This (required) final oral exercise normally takes place at Dr. Schwartz's home at a mutually agreed upon time during the week-end preceding or no later than WEDNESDAY of final exam week.  Traditionally, the (required) Final Oral Exercise has been followed by an (optional, but extremely enjoyable) class dinner.

In spring, 2007, our regularly scheduled final exam time is Thursday, June 14, from 7-10 PM -- a date and time when I would be unable to host you at my home.  If we are unable to reach a consensus about an alternate late afternoon/early evening time no later than Wednesdady of exam week, the Final Oral Exercise will take place without a class dinner in our regular classroom at the scheduled final exam time (Th 6/14, 7-10 PM).

NOTE: Unless an extension has been arranged in advance, Research Papers are due, along with the original marked up prospectus, at the time of the Final Oral Exercise, or no later than WEDNESDAY of final exam week should we not being having a class dinner this year.

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