English 240 - Spring, 2014

Medieval Literature

Class Information

Instructor: Waters, Claire
CRN: 22783
Time: W 3:10-6:00
Location: 120 Voorhies
Breadth: Earlier British

Description

Recent work in medieval studies has become increasingly engaged with a close examination of the often occluded, frequently vexed, and highly productive engagements between medieval texts and (post)modern theoretical approaches. In this course we will read medieval works (in some cases, selections from them) that take on concerns that we might consider "theoretical" alongside and in dialogue with recent critical work addressing such issues as temporality, ethics, subjectivity, historicism, affect, and practice. Throughout we will consider how we imagine and converse with the various pasts that we depend on, whether medieval or post-.

The aim will be both to gain a sense of the productive conjunction of medieval and postmodern in current medieval studies and beyond, and to encourage each member of the class to examine his or her own theoretical commitments and resistances. Perspectives from non-medieval fields will be a valuable part of the discussion, and no previous experience with medieval literature or Middle English is necessary, though it is of course welcome.

Readings will include Bruce Holsinger, The Premodern Condition; Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy (selections); Julian of Norwich, A Revelation of Love (selections); Geoffrey Chaucer, The House of Fame; Thomas Hoccleve, The Series; and essays by Nicholas Watson, Carolyn Dinshaw, Pierre Bourdieu, Katharine Breen, Patricia Dailey, Michel de Certeau, Eleanor Johnson, A. C. Spearing, and others. Most readings will be available on Smartsite and/or through a printed course reader.

Grading

Two short essays (4-5 pages), 20%; class attendance and participation, 20%; class presentation, 10%; final seminar paper, 50%.

Texts

The Premodern Condition, Bruce Holsinger
The Writings of Julian of Norwich, Ed. Watson and Jenkins.
Dream Visions and Other Poems, Chaucer; Norton critical ed.