A Web-Enhanced Course
Fall 2006
Dr. Jamison
Office Hours: Monday 9:30-noon; T, Th 5-6, and by appointment.
OFFICE: Gamble 202C
927-5237
email: jamisoca@mail.armstrong.edu
Texts:
The Riverside Chaucer edited by Larry Benson. Peter Beidler's
The Wife of Bath.
Additional Readings:
Several scholarly articles and texts may be made available to students either
by copy or reserve in Lane Library.
Objectives:
1. We will read most selections of The Canterbury Tales and, by way of introduction, we
will also look at several of Chaucer's
shorter poems. All readings will be in the original Middle English. No
translations allowed in class.
2. Reading aloud and translating are essential components of the class. This semester, you will learn to read, pronounce, and translate Chaucer's texts. Online links will help you practice your Middle English. As you get a "feel" for Middle English and come to recognize certain recurring terms, you will feel increasingly comfortable with this part of the class. You will be graded on your abilities to speak and translate.
3. You will become acquainted with relevant background information and scholarship. Alongside our reading of "The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale," you will read Beidler's collection of critical articles. Additionally, each of you will present a synopsis of an important critical article and/or an overview of analogues. A copy of these report topics will be posted on the Exercise page.
4. You will gain an appreciation for and understanding of the literature through class discussions and assignments. You will also gain a knowledge of Chaucer's Middle English syntax, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
5. You will write a research paper (@ 8-10 pages) exploring some aspect of the Chaucerian literature read throughout the semester. This paper will show a clear concern with a critical problem and engagement with appropriate criticism. A list of suggestions will be provided early in the semester. Please note deadlines for topic proposals, annotated bibliography, and final draft on the Tentative Schedule (below).
6. At the end of the semester, we will have a class "Chaucer Conference" at which you will present a five-minute synopsis of your research paper. We will treat this Conference as if it were "real," meaning that delivery must be professional. The synopsis must include, by way of quote, recitation of a passage of Chaucer's text (at least 10 lines; not translated). Your grade for this assignment will depend on the quality of the presentation and the accuracy of the recitation.
Web Component
This course is supplemented
by a web site. Your use of this web site is mandatory, and you will be expected to visit
the site frequently. I will provide details in class that will guide you through
the site, but a brief overview follows:
The site can be accessed from the department homepage: www.llp.armstrong.edu. Use the quick select to find Dr. Jamison's Lobby, or access the course directly at this address: http://www.llp.armstrong.edu/5800/index.html. The News page will update you about new information, contain announcements, and guide you to specific pages. The Notes page will supplement but never replace class discussions. All notes are intended as study guides or reviews but may, occasionally, extend the scope of our class discussions. My own email address is easily accessed throughout the site. Make use of the resources on our site. One of the most useful pages is the Links page, which you can visit to access reputable medieval sites. You will also want to look at the References for my own bibliography of sources used in creating this site. Finally, you may want to check out pages for my other classes. You will find information there that you can cross-reference. In addition to the Links page, relevant links can be accessed from the Notes page. You will make frequent use of these links as class preparation. Particularly, you will want to refer frequently to Harvard's Geoffrey Chaucer website.
Attendance:
Attendance and prompt arrival to class are essential. Students
with more than five absences may be penalized. Excessive tardies will count as
absences.
Grading:
Quizzes: 10% each (5 quizzes; lowest score is dropped)(40%)
Reviews and Recitations: (10%)
Final (including presentation): 25%
Paper: 25%
TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE
(Readings include prologues, links, introductions, critical articles, and relevant web materials. Specifics to be given in class.)
Aug 17
Th: Introduction
Aug 22, 24
T:
Chaucer's Life and Language
Th: short poems
Aug 29, 31
T: "The General Prologue"
Th: "The General Prologue"
Sept 4, 6
T: "The General Prologue"
Th: QUIZ 1
Sept. 12, 14
T:The Knight's Tale" Parts 1 and 2
Th: "The Knight's Tale" Parts 3 and 4
Sept. 19, 21
T: "The Miller's Tale"
Th: "The Reeve's Tale" and "The Cook's Tale"
Sept 26, 28
T: QUIZ II/ "The Man of Law's Tale"
Th: "The Wife of Bath's Prologue"
Oct. 3, 5
T: "The Wife of Bath's
Prologue"
Th: "The Wife of Bath's Tale"/ Beidler text
Oct. 10, 12
T: Quiz III
Th: HOLIDAY
Oct. 17,19
T: "The Friar's Tale"
Th: "The Summoner's Tale"
Oct 24, 26
T: "The Clerk's Tale"
Th: "The Merchant's Tale"
Oct. 31, Nov. 2
T: "The Franklin's Tale"/ TOPIC PROPOSALS DUE
Th: "The Pardoner's Tale"
Nov. 7, 9
T: QUIZ IV/ "The Shipman's Tale"
Th: "The Prioress' Tale"
Nov. 14, 16
T: "The Nun's Priest's Tale"
Th: "The Manciple's Tale"
Nov. 21, 23
T: Reading Day
Th: HOLIDAY
Nov. 28, 30
T: "The Canon's Yoeman's Tale"/ "The Retraction"
Th: In-Class
Chaucer Conference/ Quiz V
Dec. 5
T: Conference, continued
FINAL: t.b.a.
Dr. Carol Jamison
Gamble Hall 202c
Armstrong Atlantic State University
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
Phone: 912.927.5237