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ENG4104 - Chaucer and the Manuscript Tradition

Course content

We have no autograph writings from Chaucer’s hand. This course follows the history of the Chaucer canon as it evolved from the earliest extant manuscripts which were written down soon after his death, through generations of scribes to the advent of printing, and through the hands of subsequent generations of editors to the collected works as we know them today. As examples we will look particularly at the establishment of the Canterbury Tales tradition, and at the disputed Equatorie of the Planetis text and the evidence for that being Chaucer’s.

There will be a field trip to Cambridge University to look at Chaucer-related manuscripts. For further information please contact the teacher.

Learning outcomes

Students will get an insight into the establishment of the Chaucer canon, and into some of the manuscripts and editions which form the basis for this process. They will acquire a basic knowledge of the make-up of medieval manuscripts and of the underlying principles of textual criticism and edition.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Recommended prior knowledge

It is recommended that the students have taken ENG2155 - Aspects of Chaucerian Language and Literature or similar.

Teaching

The course is taught throughout the semester with 2 hours per week for 10 weeks, 20 hours in all.

80% attendance required.

Teaching takes place throughout the semester.

Criteria for access to teaching resources

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, contingent on available capacity.

Exam information

The exam is a term paper of 10 standard pages. Students will have an opportunity to receive comments on drafts of their papers. The term paper is the basis for the mark in this course.

All assignments handed in for evaluation must be accompanied by an obligatory statement concerning cheating: http://www.uio.no/studier/emner/hf/ilos/Oblig-statement-cheating.rtf.

Exam resources

No special exam resources are allowed.

Language of examination

English

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Withdrawing from exams and limits on re-takes

A student can sit for this exam up to 3 times. If a student wishes to withdraw from the exam, s/he must do this in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the first day of the exam. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit for the exam.

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

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