106-210 Medieval English Literature: Texts and Contexts

Note

Available as 106-310 at 3rd-year level.

Credit Points

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject introduces students to a range of late medieval English texts. No prior knowledge of Middle English is assumed. Students taking this subject will develop a reading knowledge of Middle English, with a special focus on the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer. This subject emphasises the historical contexts of medieval writing, and the importance of literacy, class and gender in the development of medieval genres. Particular emphasis will be placed on the way in which selected texts engage with challenges to traditional ideologies in late Medieval England.

Assessment

Written work of not more than 5000 words.

Prescribed Texts

Course reader available from the department.

• L Benson ed, The Riverside Chaucer. 3rd ed OUP.
• J A Burrow and T Turville-Petre (eds), A Book of Middle English. 2nd ed Oxford.
• N Davis et al ed, A Chaucer Glossary. OUP.