English 122: Introduction to the Study
of Arthurian Literature
Syllabus
Semester II, 1997-98
Meeting Time: MWF 9:00
Instructor: R. Longsworth
Office: Rice 128
Hours: M, 4:30; Tu, 10; W & F, 8 (and by appointment)
Telephone: ext. 8571
Aims of the course
To paraphrase the description in the catalogue, this course is designed
to acquaint students with the rudiments of literary study. It is offered
as a lecture course, and is intended to accommodate the interests of students
who do not expect to major in or to take advanced courses in English. It
will focus broadly on literary works that deal with the legendary King
Arthur and certain motifs (like the transgressive love between Lancelot
and Guinevere and the quest for the holy grail) that are linked with that
legend. Within this focus, lectures will deal with some of the ways in
which a serious student can fruitfully read, reflect on, and interpret
texts that present interesting and challenging stories.
Course requirements and deadlines
- A reading journal, to be submitted on 6 March,10 April, 8 May
- Two Hour Exams: 9 March and 13 April
- Final Exam: 13 May
Texts
Bradley, Marion Zimmer. The Mists of Avalon (Ballantine, 1982).
Malory, Sir Thomas. The Morte Darthur (parts 7 & 8), ed.
D.S. Brewer (Northwestern: York Medieval Texts, 1973) .
Tennyson, Alfred. Idylls of the King, ed. J. M. Gray ([1859-1885]
Penguin:1983).
Twain, Mark. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court ([1889]
Bantam, 1981).
White, T. H. The Once and Future King ([1958] Berkley, 1966).
Whyte, Jack. The Skystone (Tor, 1996).
These texts will be supplemented by some handouts, reserve readings,
and scheduled film or video screenings.
Schedule of assignments
4 Feb. Introductory Lecture: the Legend and its Origins
6 Feb. Malory, Introduction; Preface; "The Poisoned Apple"
9 Feb. Malory, "The Fair Maid of Astolat"
11 Feb. Malory, "The Great Tournament" and "Knight of
the Cart"
13 Feb. Malory, "Healing of Sir Urry" and "Slander and
Strife"
16 Feb. Malory, "The Vengeance of Sir Gawain"
18 Feb. Malory, "Siege," "Day of Destiny," and
"Dolorous Death"
20 Feb. Film: Excalibur
23 Feb Tennyson, "Dedication," "Coming of Arthur,"
"Gareth and Lynette"
25 Feb. Tennyson, "Marriage of Geraint," "Geraint and
Enid"
27 Feb. Tennyson, "Balin and Balan," "Merlin and Vivien"
2 Mar. Tennyson, "Lancelot and Elaine"
4 Mar. Tennyson, "The Holy Grail," "Pelleas and Ettarre"
6 Mar. Tennyson, "Last Tournament," "Guinevere,"
"Passing of Arthur"
9 Mar. Hour Exam
11 Mar. Twain, Connecticut Yankee, to p. 60
13 Mar. Twain, Connecticut Yankee, 60-125
16 Mar. Twain, Connecticut Yankee, 125-183
18 Mar. Twain, Connecticut Yankee, 183-240
20 Mar. Twain, Connecticut Yankee, 240-end
**SPRING BREAK**
30 Mar. Bradley, Mists of Avalon, to p. 138
1 Apr. Bradley, Mists of Avalon, 138-end of book 1
3 Apr. Bradley, Mists of Avalon, book 2
6 Apr. Bradley, Mists of Avalon, book 3
8 Apr. Bradley, Mists of Avalon, book 4 to p. 751
10 Apr. Bradley, Mists of Avalon, to end
13 Apr. Hour Exam
15 Apr. Some poems about Merlin (to be distributed in advance)
17 Apr. T.H. White, Once and Future, "Sword in the Stone"
20 Apr. T.H. White, Once and Future, "Queen of Air..."
22 Apr. T.H. White, Once and Future, "Ill-Made Knight"
24 Apr. T.H. White, Once and Future, "Candle in the Wind"
27 Apr. Film: Monty Python and the Holy Grail
29 Apr. Film: The Fisher King
1 May. Whyte, Skystone,Book I
4 May Whyte, Skystone, Books II and III
6 May Whyte, Skystone, Book IV
8 May Matthew Arnold, "Tristram and Iseult"
13 May (7 p.m.) FINAL EXAM
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