EL2009:04
Middle English: Pilgrims, Passion, Plays
Townsville
HECS Band 1
13 hours lectures, 10 hours tutorials, 20 hours workshops. Semester 1.
Staff: Dr C Taylor, Mr J Gray.
The subject introduces and explores literary works of the Middle English period, with special attention to Chaucer, secular and religious lyrics and drama, including the cycle plays and Everyman.
Learning Objectives:
- to broaden and intensify the literary-critical skills and understanding attained by students at earlier levels, particularly where essay-writing and extra-literary issues are concerned;
- to acquire an ability to read and translate texts from the Middle-English period;
- to develop an ability to write about and discuss texts of the Middle English period;
- to achieve a knowledge of The Canterbury Tales;
- to develop an understanding of the beginnings of drama in English and of the textual and theatrical presentation of English mystery plays;
- to attain an introductory knowledge of Middle English prose and lyric writing;
- to attain a basic knowledge of the cultural and historical context in which Middle English literature was produced.
Assessment by oral and written translation (20%); participation in tutorial discussion and dramatic performance (40%); one essay of 1,500 words and a research report of 1,500 words (40%).