Studies in Medieval Literature: (324-CN-16)
Topic
Legend of King Arthur
Instructors
Raymond E Gleason
Ray Gleason has been teaching medieval literature at Northwestern since 1994. He received his Ph.D. from Northwestern in Medieval Literature and Semiotics in 1997 and an MA in English in 1989 from the Northwestern MAE program. A veteran of adult higher education, Gleason completed his dissertation while working in the telecommunications industry; his MA and BA while a serving officer in the US Army. Gleason is a writer, having published "A Grunt Speaks: A Devil’s Dictionary Of Vietnam Infantry Terms" and "The Violent Season," both by UP Books, Indianapolis. His historical fcition series, the Gaius Marius Chronicle, has published three novels with Morgan James Fiction, New York: "The Gabinian Affair," "The Helvetian Affair," and "The Swabian Affair."
Meeting Info
Wieboldt Hall 714: Wed 6:15PM - 9:15PM
Overview of class
One of the prevailing myths of western European culture is King Arthur. Arthur represents the ultimate expression of chivalry, courage, culture, refined love, and social stability, yet he and his entire establishment fall cataclysmically. In many ways, Arthur's story is the image of the morality and ideals of each society that recasts the legend - what were his accomplishments and, ironically more importantly, why does he fail. This course is a survey of the major texts representing the Arthurian tradition from its putative inception in the late fifth century to its retelling in modern times. Participants will trace the development of the principle Arthurian themes. The course will engage a number of texts including histories, romances, narrative poems, novels and films, which represent the development of the Arthurian tradition over the last 1400 years. This course meets the pre-1830 literature requirement for English Writing majors.
Registration Requirements
Previous literature courses are strongly recommended. Students should have fulfilled the SPS writing requirement or taken equivalent writing courses. Ability in academic writing and a foundation in literature and literary theory recommended. A little Latin or Old French won't hurt.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
-Describe the development of the major Arthurian cycles;
-Identify the major themes and motifs of the Arthurian tradition with emphasis on the Grail;
-Describe the significance of "Arthur" in divergent literary traditions;
-Define the major medieval literary genres;
-Develop an interpretive context for reading medieval literature;
-Write a clear and concise essay based on literary research.
Teaching Method
Reading Primary & Secondary Texts
Films / Videos
Class Discussion
Lecture
Research Project
Independent Study
Writing Assignment
Evaluation Method
Class Participation and Attendance
Research Benchmarks
End-of-Term Research Paper
Class Materials (Required)
Texts may include the following. Visit the campus bookstore website or contact the instructor to confirm materials for the course:
Lacy, Norris J. and James J. Wilhelm, eds. The Romance of Arthur. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge, 2013 ISBN: 978-0-415-78289 (pbk).
Brown, Dan. The Da Vinci Code (Any copy, paper or electronic).
Various primary texts posted on a class website provided by the instructor.
Arthurian / Grail films provided by the instructor.
Class Notes
According to Chaucer, the purpose of literature is "sentence and solaas"…that is, to learn about ourselves while enjoying the experience… we'll try to achieve both Chaucerian goals in this class… read about it; talk about it; write about it … maybe even have a little fun … after all, you'll be missing the Sataurday mornng cartoons to attend class!.
Class Attributes
Face to face: In person, in campus space