English R1A

Book List

Benson, Larry: King Arthur's Death: The Middle English Stanzaic Morte Arthur and Alliterative Morte Arthure; Borroff, Marie: The Gawain Poet: Complete Works; Kibler, William: Arthurian Romances; Malory, Thomas: Le Morte D'Arthur Vol. 1; Malory, Thomas: Le Morte D'Arthur Vol. 2; White, T.H.: The Once and Future King;

Recommended: Hacker, Diana: Rules for Writers

Description

From medieval manuscripts to twentieth-century film, Arthurian legends have undergone various changes as they passed to new generations and cultures.  The content of this course will consider some of these changes, from some of the earliest English presentations to 20th-century revisions.  Along with this investigation of the legends’ history, we will also explore the representation of these tales across the literary spectrum: poetry, episodic tales, and the novel.  We will examine closely how each literary genre shapes these legends: How does the medium and literary form influence the legend’s narrative?  What do changes in the legends and their form tell us?  What do the revisions of these enduring myths say about those telling them?  These are just some of the questions we will consider over the course of the semester.  As we discuss these legends, you will also sharpen your reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.  You will do this by writing a series of progressively longer papers, as well as short weekly writing assignments, which will consider both your readings and class discussion.