Alternative Chaucer (U03669)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-3-U03669

The course focuses primarily on Chaucer's writings prior to "The Canterbury Tales": his early work as a translator, his dream visions, and "Troilus & Criseyde". In the first part of the semester we will consider Chaucer's translation of Boethius's "Consolation of Philosophy" and its influences on "Troilus" and "The Knight's Tale". We will then turn to his translation of "The Romance of the Rose" - a very different text that is just as central to his later writing - and its influence on "The Book of the Duchess", "The Parliament of Fowls", and "The Wife of Bath's Tale". The cousre will thus give a clear sense of Chaucer's development as a writer, the central importanc eof intertextuality in his work, and his changing approach to early influences over a period of time. By taking as its startingpoint Chaucer's work as a translator, the course will also give a good introduction to medieval thought about translation and literary authority. It will provide a firm grounding in several key texts of the medieval period for students who may wish to take subsequent medieval courses, but it will also form a lively introduction to Chaucer's own writing.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Passes in English or Scottish Literature 1 and English, or Scottish, or American Literature 2, with a mark of 50 or above at the first attempt in the second year course.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Numbers are limited to 15, with priority given to students taking degrees involving English or Scottish Literature and Visiting Students placed by the Admissions Office. Students not in these categories need the written approval of the Head of English Literature before enrolling. In the case of excess applications places will be decided by ballot.

? Costs : Essential course texts.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

English Literature, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 1 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students completing this course will gain:
* A knowledge of Chaucer's work and his development as a writer.
* A familiarity with two key medieval texts: Boethius's "Consolation of Philosophy" and "The Romance of the Rose".
* An understanding of medieval theories of reading, concepts of genre and views of authorship.
* An awareness of the critical discussion relating to these texts and topics.