Chaucer+Syllabus


 * __ Felician __** **__ College __**

Eng 305 Chaucer 3 Credits
 * Spring 2014** **Professor: Dr. J. Pedersen**
 * Tuesday 5:30 P.M. – 10:15 P.M. Email:__ jamesmpedersen1@gmail.com __**
 * Room: TBD Phone: 908-754-4620 (ext. 249)**


 * Course Description**: An introduction to the //Canterbury Tales// of Geoffrey Chaucer, as well as the background of the Fourteenth Century England that shaped these works. Students will also learn to read and recite Middle English, as seen in the //Tales//.

1. To read and understand representative Chaucerian poetry. 2. To examine selections to gain insight into the social, cultural, and biographical forces which shaped these works. 3. To examine the effects of politics and religion on the literature of the Period. 4. To analyze the selections as avenues for insight into human nature and behavior. 5. To write paper and deliver an oral presentation concentrating on one pilgrim and his/her Tale. 6. To become familiar with the form and pronunciation of Middle English.
 * Course Goals & Objectives**:


 * Course Policies and Procedures:**

Course Requirements: All assigned readings; one 4-5 page paper (MLA format), oral presentations, mid-term exam, final exam, weekly reading assignments, quizzes, attendance and class participation.

Grading/Course Evaluation Procedures: Grading Criteria: Clarity of expression, soundness of argument/analysis, use of sources and mechanical correctness.

Textbook(s): //The Canterbury Tales// (Bantam) or //The Portable Chaucer// (Penguin)

Attendance: 100% attendance is expected. If possible, the instructor should be informed of an unavoidable absence. All assignments are to be made up. Students should also remain current as to happenings in class, so arrangements should be made to contact a classmate to get up to date. Excessive absence, determined at the instructor’s discretion, may result in serious grade reduction. Tardiness is also to be avoided.

Honor Code: The Felician College Honor Code will be followed, as described in the Handbook. Plagiarism will not be tolerated, and can result in failure for the assignment and, possibly, for the course.

Cell phones and talking while the instructor is talking are prohibited.

Oral Presentation should be a minimum of 45 minutes and must include: 1. Brief summary of the tale using excerpts from the text 2. Theme/s with excerpts from the text 3. Explanation of the moral with excerpts 4. 5 allusions and their significances 5. 5 metaphors with excerpts and explanations from the text 6. Insight into the pilgrim with excerpts 7. Personal evaluation of the pilgrim 8. Information from secondary sources

A Written Paper should be an expansion of the Oral Presentation, dealing with at least one secondary source, with the topic finalized with me. The paper will be 3-5 pages and follow the MLA format.