106-053 Chaucer and the Canon

Usually 25 points of first-year English, see Prerequisites.

This subject has two main objectives: an introduction to the work of Geoffrey Chaucer in comparison with that of his poetic contemporaries and followers; and the subsequent history and reception of Chaucer as the so-called 'father' of English poetry. We will examine how and why Chaucer became the canonical point of origin for early poetic tradition in English, and the implications of this special treatment for contemporary readings of Chaucer and other medieval writing. On completion of the subject students should have developed a reading knowledge of Middle English and be familiar with some current debates in medieval studies.

Class participation, and written work totalling 4000 words.

• Derek Pearsall (ed.), From Chaucer to Spenser.