Middle English Romance (DL - 20 Credits)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ENGL4245 | English | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK, Spring UK, Summer UK |
- Code
- ENGL4245
- School
- English
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK, Spring UK, Summer UK
Summary
This module considers twenty-first century historicized readings of a major English literary genre, and demonstrates that medieval English romance texts can be set in complex and profound critical relationship to each other and to other artistic media. Such an approach is possible largely because of the vibrant and privileged international socio-literary milieu in which many romance tracts were first written and received. Students will be encouraged to explore how reading Middle English romance texts can equip us with vocabulary and concepts to discuss the cultural specificities of the literary representations of romance, love and chivalry in this period, the representations of public and private identities, and the questions regarding individuality and selfhood that arise in literature produced in a volatile period of religious and social uncertainty and dissent. These are all issues that now define “the Middle Ages” for modern scholars.
Target Students
Only available to on-site and Distance Learning postgraduate students in the School of English.
Classes
Further Activity Details: This module is taught by web-based distance learning. It will be available online continuously 24 hours a day. Tutorial support for distance learning students is via e-mail. On-site students are entitled to a minimum of 5 hours contact time, which will be by group tutorial. Students will be expected to study 200 hours for this module.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: 1 x 4000 word essay
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
To encourage the study of medieval romance texts in order to broaden students’ understanding of what is probably an unfamiliar period in English literary history.To provide students with a sound basis of knowledge of Medieval English language.Students will be encouraged to consider methods involved in comparative study, and invited to develop nuanced reading strategies as to how key themes and topics are represented in similar and different ways in this period.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- Students will have had an opportunity to consider the place of an important literary genre in modern historicized readings of the Middle Ages
- Students will have been encouraged to consider the manner in which medieval romance texts address social and cultural issues that continue to be of theoretical and applied interest in modern English studies.
- Students will develop the ability to read the language of the Middle English period.
- Students will have had the opportunity to develop an awareness of the variety of visual media of the Middle Ages, and of how to study such texts in association with the poetic and prose narratives.
- a critical awareness of issues relating to the interpretation of Middle English texts
- close and logical analysis of works in Middle English.
Intellectual skills
- Evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in Medieval English studies.
Professional practical skills
- a sustained analysis of texts to a high standard of accuracy in content and presentation.
- the ability to translate accurately and effectively from one language to another.
- the ability to construct and communicate a sustained analysis of texts to a high standard of accuracy in context and presentation.
- The ability to carry out research in a variety of media, and evaluate and make use of the material so required. Transferable (key) skills
- Self direction in tackling and solving problems
- the ability to communicate clearly in writing