ENGH 320: Literature of the Middle Ages

ENGH 320-001: Literature of the Middle Ages
(Spring 2023)

01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW

Nguyen Engineering Building 1108

Section Information for Spring 2023

ENGH 320 - 001: Literature of the Middle Ages

Brave knights, fair maidens, and… goat-bird-human hybrids? In this course, we’ll move beyond the Hollywood tropes and delve into the richly imaginative world of Middle English literature. In particular, we’ll focus on medieval ideas about heroism and monstrosity. Both heroes and monsters are, in some sense, super-human. So how do medieval writers distinguish between the two? Why are some types of exceptionalism considered admirable, and others terrifying or even dangerous? By sampling a wide range of medieval genres, from adventure stories to political satire, we’ll consider how medieval writers use heroic and monstrous figures to explore what it means to be human.

No prior knowledge of Middle English is expected—we’ll devote ample time to learning how to read this fascinating literature in its original language. Come one, come all!

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Introduces Middle English literature, with emphasis on the social, cultural, and political contexts that guided its production and preservation. Readings include selected English narrative, poetry, and drama written between 1300 and 1500, exclusive of Chaucer. Limited to three attempts.
Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.