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Topics in Medieval Literature I

Medieval Monsters

A mythical monster beside a tree reaching out

This class will examine a variety of medieval works from various traditions which feature monstrous creatures or characters, including Beowulf, Grettir’s Saga, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and other romances and tales. Our analyses of these texts will engage with “monster theory” as delineated by Jeffrey Jerome Cohen, and other critics, as we investigate the following questions: What constitutes monstrosity? How do monsters draw cultural boundaries? 

Most works will be read in translation, but some Middle English romances will be read in the original Middle English. Students will receive guidance on reading Middle English. 
 

Assessment

  • Presentation: 10%
  • Summary of Presentation: 10%
  • Essay proposal: 5%
  • Essay: 35%
  • Exam: 20%  
  • Class participation: 20%
     

Prerequisites

  • ENGL 200
  • ENGL 290

Department of English, ˴Ƭ University

Watson Hall
49 Bader Lane
Kingston ON K7L 3N6
Canada

Telephone (613) 533-2153

Undergraduate

Graduate

˴Ƭ is situated on traditional Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe territory.