GUIDE SYLLABUS FOR ENGL 1XX
DESCRIPTION OF ENGL 1XX COURSES:
1-level courses in English explore a variety of topics and media types in a way that is accessible to majors and nonmajors alike. All courses at this level help students to develop fundamental skills for critical reading and effective
writing. English majors in the literature or creative writing track may count no more than one course at this level
towards the requirements of the major.
DESCRIPTION OF THIS COURSE
Arthurian Romance is one of the most unusual literary forms in Western literature, cutting across genres, cultures,
languages, and time. This course examines a number of these varying narratives and representations of Arthur
through the ages and consider the figures of Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, and Tristan as well. Readings include
Geoffrey of Monmouth, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Thomas Malory, Chretien de Troyes, and Marie de
France from the Middle Ages, along with later works in English and American literature (for example, Spenser,
Tennyson, and Twain) and in popular culture.
LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR ENGL 1XX COURSES:


ability to read texts closely
ability to write clear and effective English prose in accordance with conventions of standard English
OUTCOMES SPECIFIC TO THE COURSE
 describe the history of Arthurian tradition from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century and beyond
 understand Arthurian romance as a specific genre of the romance mode in several different European
cultures
 examine different conceptions of Arthurian characterization and narrative in various retellings of the
Arthurian story
 gain additional experience in written research skills and in oral presentation, including in-class debate.
TEXTS
Geoffrey of Monmouth. The History of the Kings of Britain. (Penguin)
Sir Thomas Malory. Le Morte Darthur. 2 vols. (Penguin)
Marie de France. The Lais of Marie de France. (Penguin)
Chrétien de Troyes. Arthurian Romances. (Penguin)
Gottfried von Strassburg. Tristan. (Penguin)
Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Idylls of the King. (Penguin)
Twain. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. (Oxford World Classics)
Handouts on myCourses
REQUIREMENTS
Essay #1 (5-6 pp.) 15%
Midterm Exam 20%
Debate Group Grade: 5%
Debate Final Group Paper: 10%
Debate Individual Grade: 10%
Final Exam 25%
Class Participation (15%)
CLASS SCHEDULE
WEEK 1:
Introduction; overview of the Arthurian tradition; DEBATE TOPICS ANNOUNCED
WEEK 2:
Geoffrey of Monmouth; organize group debates in class; CIRCULATE TOPICS FOR ESSAY
#1
WEEK 3:
Geoffrey of Monmouth;
WEEK 4:
Malory
WEEK 5:
Malory
WEEK 6:
Malory; ESSAY #1
WEEK 7:
Malory; Marie de France
WEEK 8:
MIDTERM EXAM; class work on group debates
WEEK 9:
Marie de France; Chrétien de Troyes
WEEK 10:
Chrétien de Troyes
WEEK 11:
Gottfried von Strassubrg
WEEK 12:
Tennyson
WEEK 13:
Twain
WEEK 14:
Group Debates; Monty Python and the Holy Grail
WEEK 15:
FINAL EXAM
Introduction to Sir Thomas Malory