English 215 - Early Chaucer

'We will discuss Chaucer's explorations of love, human will, and various conceptions of closure (in literary terms, the efficacy of complaint, the work of poetic endings, and the poet's accomplishments). These topics will be studied in light of Chaucer's ranging literary influences, especially his assimilation and renovation of classical poetry, French and Italian vernacular verse, romance, saints' lives, allegory, and beast fables. All readings are in Middle English, consisting of a selection of Chaucer's short poems and his major works prior to The Canterbury Tales.'

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors