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Academic Year 2003/2004

Singers of Tales: Poetry and Orality in Medieval England
ENGL 331 FA

Although it is commonly supposed that oral poetic production was supplanted by written forms, the evidence surrounding early English poetry suggests a simultaneity of writing and orality, either in the form of committing orally composed poetry to writing or in publicly performing poetry composed by writing. This course will consider the relationships between orality, literacy, and performance in early English literature. We will consider a variety of genres, from epic to romance to lyric and song, focusing on theories of composition, modes and occasions of performance, as well as performers and audiences. In the process we will survey medieval English literature from its earliest extant forms through Chaucer's CANTERBURY TALES

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ENGL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Zieman,Kathy G   

Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM;     Location: FISK302

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 35)

SR. major: 10   Jr. major: 10

SR. non-major: 5   Jr. non-major: 5   SO: 5   FR: 0

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal:    Writing

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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