Medieval Literature

Catalog description

A study of selected major prose, poetry and/or drama of the English medieval period, with attention to classical, continental and religious influences, as well as relevant historical contexts. This course will variously focus on Old English literature, including Beowulf, Old English shorter poems and saint's lives, the works of Bede, Aelfric, Wulfstan and/or Asser, as well as Middle English literature, including the works of Chaucer, Gower, the Gawian-poet, Langland, Julian of Norwich, Margary Kempe, Layamon, anonymous romances, lyrics, sermons and plays. Any one of the following themes might be focused on, in any given semester: dreamers and dream visions, love and war, faith and pilgrimage, gender and chivalry monsters and heroes.