THE NEWMAN SCHOOL
BOSTON, MA
MEDIEVAL LITERATURE
Miss Julianne Papetsas Fall 2011
Course Description: If you thought that the Middle Ages were simply about knights, castles, and dragons, you were wrong. Be prepared to enter dreary, underwater caves where ghastly, vicious beasts lurk, gallantly quest for the Holy Grail with the most chivalrous of knights, goon on pilgrimages with a diverse and eccentric group of Medieval folk, and even delve into the depths of Hell. Four major literary works will be examined alongside Medieval history to open for us the world of the Medieval people and the culture and beliefs that so permeated their lives. We will discuss concepts such as the hierarchy of angels, chivalry, the wheel of fortune, the order of the universe, the deadly sins, and, of course, answer the age-old question: How do elephants procreate?
Expectations: This course will be run much like a college seminar. Students are expected to be prepared to discuss the reading assignment for each day, and pop quizzes will be delivered to ensure that the students are doing their reading thoroughly and consistently. There will be a test at the conclusion of each work, as well as papers and projects.
Required Works:
Beowulf - Seamus Heaney Translation (Norton)
Dante’s Inferno – Anthony Esolen Translation (Modern Library)
Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales – Martin Glaser Translation (Hackett)
Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur – (Modern Library)
Course Pack – Compiled by Miss Papetsas
Grading:
25% Quizzes – There are no make ups. Quizzes will typically be unannounced and based on the previous night’s reading. Cheating will result in the grade of a zero. The lowest grade will be dropped to account for absences.
25% Tests – There will be four tests, one for each work. No make ups and no grade dropping, so BE THERE. Again, there is zero tolerance for cheating.
25% Papers/Projects – Plagiarism is unacceptable. Assignments must be handed in at the very beginning of class. 10 points will be deducted each day the paper is late, including if the student is absent. In case of urgent absence, the assignment should be e-mailed by 12PM.
25% Participation – Student must be prepared with proper books, take thorough notes, and contribute to class discussion. Positive and polite attitude is expected.