Medieval Cultural and Literary Expression

Abstract:

The Medieval Period, or the Middle Ages, occurred between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the European Renaissance. The student will identify and examine the forms, genres, literary conventions, and topics of concern that typify medieval literature. This course will approach literature as a product of specific historical and cultural circumstances, including topics such as Anglo-Saxon England and Old English poetry; Anglo-Norman England and the Romances; and Middle English Literature. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: situate the literature of the Medieval period within its historical context, particularly in relation to the development of Christian culture; explain the relevance of central themes in Medieval texts, including those relating to economic, social, and religious issues; recognize and identify the different genres in which Medieval writers worked and explain these genres relate to one another both historically and stylistically; identify the stylistic and formal elements of Medieval poetry and prose; define and use important literary terms related to major works of the Medieval period; trace the evolution of language (Old, Middle, and New English) within the context of Medieval literature; describe the literature of the period as a product of oral culture; identify and describe the alliterative line. (English Literature 201)

Subject:

Humanities

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Saylor Foundation