What happens to the medieval Christian community when the unity of the Church breaks down? How does a narrative position its author and its characters within contemporary political controversy? Which characters are inside the traditional bounds of community? Which are outside? And how should we interpret the differences between them? In this course, we will examine these and other questions about medieval English literature and culture through the lens of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and other writings. The course will focus on Middle English language and poetics as well as medieval structures of community — political, cultural, economic, and religious. For example, we will thoughtfully consider the engagement of Chaucer’s work with the fourteenth century’s Wycliffite heresy, a radical movement that challenged the English Catholic Church’s ability to properly administer sacraments such as baptism, Eucharist, and marriage.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: None.

Distribution Requirements: LL - Language and Literature

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

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