Humanities 117
Winter 2010
Dr. Stratton
527.4222
jon.stratton@wwcc.edu
Humanities 102
Introduction to the Humanities II
The Middle Ages and Renaissance
Room 121
11:30 Daily
Instructor: Jon Stratton
Texts (all in the WWCC Bookstore):
The Lais of Marie de France (2nd Edition, Penguin Classics, Translated by Burgess and
Busby)
Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice, and Othello, William Shakespeare (Signet Classics
Edition)
WHAT THE CLASS IS ABOUT
This course is an introduction to two major eras of European culture; the middle ages and
the renaissance. Historically, these periods began about 600 and ended in the eighteenth
century. We cannot possibly engage with most of the major humanistic achievements of
those twelve hundred years. Our course will be limited the study of several works in
literature and painting during this period. We will begin with the delightful love stories
known as The Lais of Marie de France. These stories from the 12th century are
exemplary tales of chivalry, romance, and what has become known as “courtly love.”
We will also spend two weeks on two of the Dutch Masters, Rembrandt and Vermeer,
with discussion of the cultural changes brought on by the Renaissance. The second half
of the course is a detailed study of plot, setting, theme, and character in three of William
Shakespeare’s plays; Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice, and Othello.
HOW THE CLASS WORKS
There are five components of the class; lectures, reading, viewing, writing and
discussion.
 Lectures provide background material on all elements of the course.
 Reading assignments are from primary sources (Marie de France and
Shakespeare); you will write short essay assignments on the reading.
 Viewing documentaries, movies and plays complete your experience of
the cultures of the Middle Ages and Renaissance; you will write
assignments on the viewing.
 The midterm and final exams ask objective questions and require short
essays that demonstrate your understanding of all course materials;
lectures, viewing, and reading assignments.
Humanities 117
Winter 2010
Dr. Stratton
527.4222
jon.stratton@wwcc.edu
ASSIGNMENTS and GRADES
 Reading and Viewing written assignments ask for your written thoughts
on a specific question in relation to the reading assignments. Reading
assignments count for 40% of your grade.
 The midterm and final exams ask objective questions and short essay
questions on materials in lecture, reading, and viewing assignments. The
midterm exam counts as 20% and the final exam as 30% of your grade.
 Class participation (10%); this grade is given at the end of the quarter.
Important things for your success
 Attend every class session. Do not cut this class, ever. If you are planning on
cutting class, you should drop early and get your money back from the business
office. If you have an appointment or other activity that keeps you from coming
to class, you can usually pick up and complete an assignment in advance, or with
permission only, after the due date without penalty.

Class sessions are work sessions. Arrive on time, be prepared, and participate.

The midterm and final exams ask objective and essay questions about the lectures,
the readings, and the viewings. Participation in class is essential to performing
well on the exams, as well as study on your own time.

Turn in all of the written assignments on time! Written assignments must be
properly word-processed and turned in on time in order to earn an A. The highest
grade a hand-written assignment can earn is B. Assignments that are more than
one day late cannot earn a grade higher than C. Assignments turned in more than
two days after the due date are not accepted. Written assignments count as 40% of
your final grade. You might want to make use of the Writing Center to polish
your written assignments.

The lowest written assignment grade of the course is dropped from your final
score.

Turn off any electronic devices, including laptops and cells unless certified by the
disabilities coordinator.

Avoid distracting behavior (for example, leaving the room once class has started,
whispering, eating, or making rude comments). Keep in mind that this course is
important to everyone in it. The instructor may lower your grade considerably for
any distracting behavior on your part.

Turning in any work that is not your own will result in either failing or dropping
the entire course.
Students interested in the services of the disabilities coordinator should contact Claudia
Angus at Office 133D or (509) 527-4543
Humanities 117
Winter 2010
Schedule
January 4 – 8
Introduction
First written assignment due Monday January 11
January 11 – 15
Lais of Marie de France.
January 18 – 22 (Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. day – No Class)
Class sharing of lais
Introduction to the Renaissance
January 25 – 29
Vermeer and Rembrandt
February 1 – 5
Midterm Exam on Tuesday, February 2
View Girl with Pearl Earring
February 8 – 12
Shakespeare and Hamlet
February 15 – 19 (Monday is Presidents’ Day – No Class)
Hamlet
February 22 – 26
Merchant of Venice
March 2 – 6 (Wednesday is Advising Day – No Class)
Merchant of Venice
March 9 – 16
Othello
Final Exam on Friday, March 19
Dr. Stratton
527.4222
jon.stratton@wwcc.edu
Humanities 117
Winter 2010
Dr. Stratton
527.4222
jon.stratton@wwcc.edu