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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2019/2020

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures : English Literature

Undergraduate Course: Alternative Chaucer (ENLI10269)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Literatures, Languages and Cultures CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThe 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.
Course description Not entered
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: ( English Literature 1 (ENLI08001) OR Scottish Literature 1 (ENLI08016)) AND ( English Literature 2 (ENLI08003) OR Scottish Literature 2 (ENLI08004) OR American Literature 2 (ENLI08006))
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs Essential course texts.
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. 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.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
Special Arrangements 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.
Additional Class Delivery Information 1 hour(s) per week for 10 week(s).
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiser Course secretaryMrs Anne Mason
Tel: (0131 6)50 3618
Email: Anne.Mason@ed.ac.uk
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