Aims

In-depth study of a particular subject of English Literature.

Main themes

English literature from the 14th or 15th century, the Tudor Age, or the 18th century.

Content and teaching methods

Chaucer explores the contrasts between our longing to achieve wholeness, possibly even holiness ("the holy blissful martyr for to seke"), and our comic failure to integrate into our thoughts and experience the simple urges of our bodies and the fragmented visions of our culture. These contrasts are revealed through a subtle manipulation of literary genres from both England and the European continent : chivalric romances, fabliaux, fables, exempla, antifeminist literature, etc. The course studies these genres on the basis of stories from the Canterbury Tales, and tries to define the suble mechanisms of Chaucer's humour.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Evaluation: written exam

Teaching materials: extracts from Norton Anthology 1.

Course Supervision/ Course Holder: formal lectures; guided tour of Leuven (medieval aspects)

Audio-visual materials.

Other credits in programs