English 3200
Chaucer
85761, Section 01, 11-12:15 MW
Fall 2012
Dr. Thomas Harrison
Office H/SS 221
Phone 478-471-5799
Fax (Humanities) 478-471-5794
Email thomas.harrison@maconstate.edu
Humanities Division 478-471-5793
Office Hours: 2-3 p. m. MW
11-noon, 2-3 TR
and by appointment
Prerequisite or Corequisite: At least a C in English 3010.
Texts: Chaucer. Dream Visions and Other Poems. Norton Critical Edition, 2007.
---. The Canterbury Tales, 2nd ed. Norton Critical Edition, 2005.
Purpose: The study of the early and shorter works of Geoffrey Chaucer as preparation for the study of his masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales. Emphasis on Chaucer’s place early in English literature and the enormous influence his work has had on subsequent culture.
Formal Requirements: 3-4 short papers, midterm and final exams. The papers will be short, 500 words or a little more, will focus on a specific passage from Chaucer's work, and will relate that passage to something in the Sources and Backgrounds readings in the textbooks or outside them. MLA format is desirable. The exams will be essay exams.
Research: The internet offers many sources and translations for the study of Chaucer. Use it, and use the sources available in GALILEO.
Attendance: Class attendance and participation are expected. Attendance will be especially important because we will be working directly with the text in Middle English. 80% attendance is required for successful completion of the course regardless of circumstances.
Student Conduct: As a Macon State College student and as a student in this class, it is your responsibility to read, understand, and abide by the MSC Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct is included in the MSC Student Handbook and is available online at
http://www.maconstate.edu/studentlife/studenthandbook.pdf
Disability Accommodations: Students seeking academic accommodations for a special need must contact the MSC Counseling and Career Center (478-471-2714) located on the second floor of the Student Life Center on the Macon campus.
Assessment: The grades count equally in the final average. In the case of a borderline average, later work will be more persuasive than early work.
Schedule (Tentative):
Society and science in the Middle Ages
The development of English
Short poems
The House of Fame
Anelida and Arcite
The Canterbury Tales in order
A Pronouncing Guide to Chaucer's English