Eng 447/547: Major Writers -- Chaucer

Assignments

Non-written Assignments (30%):
1. Oral pronunciation passage. Each student will prepare a passage of 25-30 lines from one of the texts we are reading to read aloud (in my office) using Middle English rules. I will tape your reading. Due anytime between the 4th and 8th weeks of class (~in Feb.); make an appointment early on-this is a busy term for me. 10%
2. Participation: A large amount of each class day will be devoted to answering questions about the reading-if you don't read, you won't know what to ask about, and if you aren't there you can't ask, either. Careful attention to reading and learning Middle English is expected; brief vocabulary-type quizzes will be given randomly "to keep you honest", included in partic. grade. 15% (Grads 10%)
3. Oral report on article/chapter (#1 below) and discussion questions based on reading. Discussion questions should focus on literary ideas and cultural issues and get beyond the yes/no or factual information stage. 5% (Grads 10%)

Written assignments (70%):
1. Critical review of an article/chapter, ca. 4 pp. 15% (Graduate students do 2, 10% each)
2. Analysis paper, incorporating secondary sources (max. 2 web sites), examining any course text(s), any unifying idea within or across texts, ca. 8 - 10 pp. [Graduate students ca. 12 pp.] Please give me a WRITTEN proposal by Feb. 23. Paper due Mar. 9 (late=markdown). 25%
3. Exam 20% (Grads 15%), primarily based on key passages from our reading; one will be a translation passage. The Allen book & editorial essays in the Riverside will also be fair game.
4. Reading log (informal writing - reactions & reflections, not notes) on Allen book, 3-4 pp. per chapter, using the book's questions within & at end of chapters. 10%