Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

An introductory study of verse narrative from the late medieval period (fourteenth and fifteenth centuries), focussing on Chaucer and Henryson. The literature will be read in the original language and discussed in its linguistic and cultural context. The particular focus of the subject is an examination of the variety and treatment of narrative genres in medieval culture: romance, fabliau, exemplum, beast fable, saint's life, and so on. While the major authors (Chaucer and Henryson) and a selection of anonymous Middle English texts will all be read in Middle English, additional Old and Middle English texts will be read in translation.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this subject should develop the following skills:

1. The ability to read and analyze the language of Middle English at a basic level, with a consequent capacity to read in their original language the literary texts prescribed for study.
2. A broad knowledge of the historical and cultural background of these texts.
3. Knowledge and understanding of medieval literary genres and kinds of narrative.

Assessment

Essay (2000 words): 40%
Class presentation: 10%
Examination (2 hours): 50%

Contact hours

2.5 hours (1 lecture and 1 tutorial) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

English

Prerequisites

A first-year ENH sequence (or by permission)