Title: CHAUCER

PRQ:

We will read and analyze Geoffrey Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde and its sources, along with a few of the Canterbury Tales.  All Middle English writings will be read in the original language.  Class will be primarily discussion, with very few lectures; therefore, attendance is mandatory.  Students should gain an appreciation of Chaucer's place in the canon of English literature; they should be able to discuss coherently, both orally and in writing, problems posed by the texts in question.  Students are strongly recommended to have some background in reading and analyzing poetry.  English 207 (grammar) or a course in History of the English Language are also helpful.

Frequent translation assignments; 3-4 papers of 2 pages each; memorization and recitation of approximately 40 lines of Chaucer's poetry, in Middle English pronunciation; regular participation and attendance: more than 3 absences will result in a lowered final grade.

(Required) Geoffrey Chaucer, Troilus and Criseyde, ed. Stephen A. Barney (Norton Critical Edition).; Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales, ed. V. A. Kolve and Glending Olson (Norton Critical Edition).; Barry Windeatt, The Oxford Guides To Chaucer: Troilus and Criseyde (OUP).