EN4318 The Golden Age of Chivalry? Arthurian Ideals in Middle English Romance

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students.

Planned timetable

10am - 12 Wed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M C Baldon

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Martha Baldon

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

King Arthur and his legendary Knights of the Round Table have been held as exemplary figures of chivalry since their first documented appearance in medieval romance in the twelfth century. Bold, brave, and beautiful, each of the knight protagonists embody a mixture of heroic and courtly traits that represent a depiction of idealised masculinity. However, the Arthurian world itself does not function perfectly. This module will focus on four Middle English Arthurian romances (the Alliterative Morte Arthure, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the Awntyrs off Arthur, and sections of Thomas Malory’s Morte Darthur), each of which explore different anxieties that exist within Arthurian chivalry. Through detailed analysis of the primary texts, the module will explore the expectations of Arthurian chivalry, paying particular attention to areas of conflict, tension, and criticism.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS EN2003 AND PASS EN2004

Assessment pattern

15% Close Analysis Coursework 35% Essay Coursework 50% Written Exam

Re-assessment

Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 Lecture (X11 weeks) 1 Seminar (X11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

278

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate an ability and the confidence to read and closely analyse literature written in Middle English.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of the different poetic forms and techniques used by Middle English poets.
  • Students will possess a good level of knowledge and understanding of the sub-genre of Arthurian romance.
  • Students will be able to address some of the literary and critical issues that exist within Arthurian romance.
  • Students will demonstrate a sensitive awareness of the tensions that underlie concepts of chivalry both within literature of this period and in relation to contemporary historical events.