University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: 10.00 am - 12.00 noon Thurs

This module explores the idea of 'courtly literature' through detailed study of some of the most influential poems in Middle English. Alongside Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, students might read works such as Gower's Confessio Amantis, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight or The Floure and the Leafe. The aim of the module is to study fewer, larger texts in greater depth, allowing students to get to grips with the depth and complexity of these canonical works and the literary-critical issues they raise. A central critical issue to be explored is the heated modern (and to some extent medieval) debate over the notion of 'courtly love'. (Group A)

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass EN2003 and pass EN2004

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar.

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Examination = 30%, Coursework = 70% (2 coursework essays at 35% each)


Re-assessment: exam = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M C Baldon
Module teaching staff: Dr M Baldon
Module coordinator email mcb9@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of what is probably a relatively unfamiliar period in English
• Demonstrate skills in assessing the relationship between writing and society, text and context
• Analyse poetic form and function in early texts
• Understand some of the most important critical issues in relation to the courtly literature of this period.