Required Texts
Chaucer’s Major Poetry, ed. Albert C. Baugh (Prentice Hall)
Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy, trans. P. G. Walsh (Oxford)

Course Description
Geoffrey Chaucer is a poet of remarkable contradictions.  Although his habitual narrative persona was modest and self-effacing, he was also the first English poet who aspired to become a literary classic of lasting fame.  Fully immersed in the aristocratic court culture of his day, he also maintained some distance in perspective on his social betters.  Interested in serious philosophical issues like free will vs. determinism, he also enjoyed joking about lower bodily functions.  Described as a "friend of women" by one early admirer, he was also accused of rape (though the charges were later dropped in mysterious circumstances).  Most of his modern admirers see him as a typically orthodox late-medieval Christian; others insist he is the first modern (or even "post-modern") English writer, who challenges the common religious and political pieties of his age.  After 600 years his work has lost none of its power to charm and to challenge us.

In considering these and other contradictions in Chaucer's life and work, we will study his masterpiece Troilus and Criseyde and the major Canterbury Tales in the original Middle English, after preliminary study of Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy in translation.  Since no experience reading Middle English is expected, we will first get comfortable with his language by starting off with some of his shorter works.

Note: all works by Chaucer will be read in the original Middle English.  Do not attempt to substitute a modern translation.

Specific Course Objectives

• To learn to read and to recite Chaucer’s variety of Middle English with reasonable fluency and comprehension.
• To study a selection of Chaucer’s lyric and narrative poetry with attention to some of its literary, philosophical, theological, and historical contexts.
• To improve skills in critical reading, writing, and research at a level appropriate to the advanced undergraduate study of English.
• To develop attitudes of interest in the period, its literature, and its contributions to humanity; the study of the dominant values of the period should help students clarify and define their own personal values.

• Translation quizzes, metrical exercises, prepared Middle English recitation of 30-50 lines (10%)
• Two critical papers of 5-6 pp. or a research paper of 10-12 pp. or a web project (40%) (Students with a particular interest in the WWW may construct an online project instead of writing a traditional essay.  Collaborative web projects will also be possible.  See me early if you wish to develop a web project.)  For details on written assignments, go to  www.auburn.edu/~goldsrj/Chaucer/papers.htm
• Midterm exam (20%)
• Final exam (30%)
• Students who participate regularly in class discussion will have additional points added to their final grade

• Attendance: you are expected to attend each class.  More than five unexcused absences may result in a grade of FA.  If you are absent for one of the excused reasons listed in the Tiger Cub, please bring me your written excuse on the first day you return to class.  If you anticipate an absence, please notify me in advance.
• Lateness: students should be in their seats ready to begin promptly on the hour.  Three unexcused late arrivals will count as an unexcused absence.
• Quizzes: may not be made up, though you will not be penalized if you miss one because of an excused absence or excused late arrival.
• Deadlines: metrical exercises and essays are due at the beginning of class on the days assigned.  Essays may be penalized up to five points for each day late unless you make other arrangements at least 24 hours in advance.
• Completion of work: all essay assignments and exams must be completed for you to pass the course.  Exams may be made up only in the case of a documented excused absence.
• Academic honesty: cheating and plagiarism are serious violations of the Student Academic Honesty Code and will be treated according to the procedures outlined in the Tiger Cub.  See me if you have any questions concerning what constitutes plagiarism.
• Students with disabilities: students who need accommodations are asked to arrange a meeting as soon as possible.  Bring a copy of your Accommodation Memo and Instructor Verification Form to the meeting.  If you do not have an Accommodation Memo but need accommodations, make an appointment with the Program for Students with Disabilities, 1244 Haley Center, 844-2096 (V/TT).

(Page created 01-04/02)