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Academic Year 2003/2004


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

Crosslistings:
MDST 202

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

Homer, THE ODYSSEY
BEOWULF and other Anglo-Saxon Poetry in translation
Heraldic poetry by Chandos and Minot
Middle English lyrics and songs
SIR ORFEO
SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT
Chaucer, CANTERBURY TALES, selections

Secondary material relating to oral-formulaic theory and performance practices of medieval poetic production.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Several short quizzes and several short papers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course satisfies the Dept's pre-1800 requirement and can be taken with the Research Option.

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
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004


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