Middle English Literature

Catalog description

A survey of Middle English literature, exclusive of Chaucer. ENGL 542 Middle English Literature (3) This seminar offers a survey of Middle English literature, exclusive of Chaucer, through a close study of some its characteristic forms and genres. The course begins with the linguistic features of Middle English, with attention to the major dialects of assigned texts (dialect instruction will continue throughout the semester as appropriate). Readings concentrate on several major forms and genres (such as romance, debate poetry, religious writing, lyrics) and authors (such as La?amon, the Pearl Poet, Margery Kempe, Lydgate, Malory). The course combines close reading and translation with ranging investigation into literary contexts and traditions. Considering the multilingual culture of medieval England, students may also read analogue and source literature in languages such as French and Latin (all of which will be taught in translation). Discussion of assigned texts will be situated within the relevant scholarship and criticism (current and historical).