Medieval Literature
2015-2016
Ms. Pless
mpless@westminsterknights.org
Course description
This course will explore the literature of the Middle Ages. According to C.S. Lewis, the
medieval world was a “bookish culture.” Rather than write off the Middle Ages as a dark
time, we will glean some of the greatest texts from this period and recognize that the
medievals can teach our culture a great deal about the power and beauty of story.
While acknowledging historical context, this course will be arranged thematically rather than
chronologically. Students will read a variety of genres including plays, poems, and stories. We
will conclude the year with a unit on Shakespeare, the author not only responsible for some
of history’s greatest literature but also for the formation of our very language.
Our study of literature this year will be guided by an understanding of literary archetypes.
Reading through the lens of archetypes will help students identity themes as they read and
thus develop a richer and more nuanced level of reading comprehension. Archetypes also
underscore the universality of truth, beauty, and goodness in literature from ancient Persian
culture to Anglo Saxon culture to Shakespeare.
Primary Texts
Pride and Prejudice (summer reading)
The Great Divorce (summer reading)
The Divine Comedy: Inferno by Dante
Arthurian Legends
Selections from Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur
Selections from 1001 Arabian Nights
Selections from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
Shakespeare Unit:
Sonnets
Macbeth
Tempest
Grading
This course will have approximately two Major Grades per quarter: a combination of tests
and writing assignments. Test material will be drawn from lectures, discussions, and assigned
readings. Papers and essays will be assigned through written, instructional prompts.
Discussions in both large and small groups may also be graded.
There will be numerous Minor Grades throughout each quarter consisting of homework
assignments, reading comprehension assessments, writing exercises, quizzes, and graded
discussions.
I grade according to a mixed point and percentage system. Each assignment will have a set
number of points that the student can earn, ranging from one point to one hundred points
or more. I will keep track of how many points each student earns and then those points will
add up and fit into one of two categories: Major Grades and Minor Grades.
Each quarter grade will then be determined as follows: the points from Major Grade
assignments will make up 60% of the overall quarter grade; the points from Minor Grade
assignments will make up 40% of the overall quarter grade. Semester exams for juniors are
then weighted as 10% of the semester grade.
Assignments and policies
Homework assignments will be given nearly every day. Students are expected to follow
instructions closely and complete every assignment. Assignments should be turned in on the
dates specified. Reading guides will be given to accompany the texts we read. Students
should read these guides and keep track them throughout the year.
Students should assume that there will be regular (daily) quizzes on reading assignments,
often based on the distributed reading guides. If a student misses a day of class, it is the
student’s responsibility to check with the teacher to see if a quiz or other Minor
Grade assignment was missed. Students should be ready to make up quizzes upon
returning to class. If a missed quiz or Minor Grade assignment is not made up within two
class days, the quiz will be recorded as a zero. Exceptions can be made for special
circumstances.
Major writing assignments will be graded on quality of writing and adherence to the prompt.
Depending on performance, students may be required to re-write major writing
assignments. Failure to turn in a Major assignment on time will result in a 11% point
deduction from the assignment’s grade per day late. If a student misses a test, the student is
expected to make up the test within two class days of returning to school. Failure to
complete assignments will result in a zero. Exceptions can be made for special
circumstances.
Plagiarism and academic honesty
The MLA Handbook notes that the word plagiarism comes from the Latin word for
kidnapper (plagiarius). Plagiarism refers to the act of kidnapping of another person’s words or
ideas and then disguising them as your own. Students must proactively work to avoid
plagiarism. Students should be careful to follow citation rules especially when producing
academic writing. Academic writing means any formal writing assignments (essays, papers).
We will follow MLA guidelines for citations. Plagiarism will typically result in a zero on the
assignment in addition to any other consequences that the administration deems necessary.
Regarding honesty in the classroom, the same principle applies. Do not “kidnap” your fellow
students’ knowledge of books and pass it off as your own. When you put your name on a
test, quiz, or paper in my class, you are implying that the comprehension of the material
communicated therein is your own. Please talk to me if you have concerns or questions
about this. Remember that there is a difference between allowing others to shape your
opinions and stealing others’ opinions. The former is necessary for learning; the latter is
dishonest.
Civility
Students need to come to class with the tools they need to complete the day’s work. Usually
students should have the text we are reading as well as note taking materials and relevant
handouts or reading guides. As class participation is heavily emphasized, thoughtful
discussion is beneficial. Inappropriate class disruption or disrespectful behavior towards the
teacher or fellow students will not be tolerated.
Course Schedule:
Unit 1: Why we read, how we read
Reviewing Pride and Prejudice
Basic Essay: Literary Analysis Paper
Unit 2: Literature as a journey into the supernatural realm
Introduce with The Great Divorce
Dante’s Inferno
Research Essay: Literary Analysis
Unit 3: The universality and power of storytelling
Arthurian Legends
Le Morte d’Arthur
1001 Arabian Nights
Canterbury Tales
Creative Writing: Legends
Unit 4, Pt. 1: Shakespeare (introduction)
Selected sonnets
Poetry Analysis Paper
Unit 4, Pt. 2: Shakespeare
Macbeth
Tempest
Research Essay: Literary Analysis