A Web-Enhanced Course
Spring 2009
Dr. Jamison
Office Hours: M, W 4-4:30; T, Th 11:30-12:30, and by
appointment.
OFFICE: Gamble 202C
344-3097
email: Carol.Jamison@armstrong.edu
Text:
The Riverside Chaucer edited by Larry Benson.
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. I will give an oral quiz near the end of the semester that will contribute toward your recitation grade.
3. You will become acquainted with relevant background information and scholarship. Each of you will present to the class a synopsis of important and recent critical article(s) and/or an overview of analogues. This presenatation should not exceed ten minutes in length. You may want to provide the class with a handout of relevant points from your critical article. You will also submit a copy of your synopsi, in accordance with MLA guidlines, to me.
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).
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. I have provided a page with Study Guides that will help you prepare for quizzes. 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: (10%)
Recitations: (10%)
Final: 20%
Paper: 20%
TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE
(Readings include prologues, links, introductions, critical articles, and relevant web materials. Specifics to be given in class.)
January 12
M: Introduction
W: Chaucer's Life and Language
January
19, 21
M: HOLIDAY
W: Chaucer's short poems
January
26, 28
M: CLASS CANCELLED (DR. JAMISON OUT OF TOWN)
W: "The General Prologue"
February
2, 4
M: "The General Prologue"
W: "The General Prologue"/ QUIZ 1
February
9, 11
M: The Knight's Tale" Parts 1 and 2
W: "The Knight's Tale" Parts 3 and 4
February
16, 18
M: "The Miller's Tale"
W: "The Reeve's Tale" and "The Cook's
Tale"
February
23, 25
M: QUIZ II/ "The Man of Law's Tale"
W: "The
Man of L aw's Tale" continued
March
2, 4
M: "The Wife of Bath's
Prologue"
W: "The Wife of Bath's Tale"
March
9, 11
M: "The Friar's Tale"
W: "The Summoner's Tale"/ QUIZ III
March 16, 18
SPRING BREAK
March
23, 25
M: "The Clerk's Tale"
W: "The Merchant's Tale"
March
30, April 1
M: "The Franklin's Tale"
W: "The Pardoner's Tale"
April
6, 8
M: QUIZ IV/ "The Shipman's Tale"
W: "The Prioress' Tale"/ TOPIC PROPOSALS DUE
April
13, 15
M: "Sir Thopas"/ "The Tale of Melibee"/
"The Monk's Tale"
W: "The
Nun's Priest's Tale"
April 20, 22
M:"The
Canon's Yoeman's Tale"/ ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE
W: "The Canon's Yoeman's Tale" continued/ "The
Manciple's Tale"
April
27, 29
M: "The Manciple's Tale" continued
W: "The Parson's Tale"/ "The Retraction"
May 4
M: Quiz
V/
FINAL PAPER DUE
FINAL: May 6th at 4:30
Dr. Carol Jamison
Gamble Hall 202c
Armstrong Atlantic State University
11935 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31419
Phone: 912.344.3097