| Unit name | Arthurian Literature |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL20060 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Steve De Hailes |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
King Arthur is one of the most enduring legends of Western literature and culture. From the earliest medieval sources to the present day, his story has proved endlessly adaptable for authors, poets, artists, filmmakers, and many more besides. Studying King Arthur helps us to understand the historical, literary and cultural contexts of the medieval and post-medieval world. How is Arthur depicted by the major writers of these periods and what do we learn through comparative analysis of these texts? On this unit, students will develop an understanding of the medieval King Arthur through key works of the period, including Geoffrey of Monmouth’s twelfth-century ‘biography’ of the life of Arthur, the romances of Chrétien de Troyes, and Sir Thomas Malory’s fifteenth century Arthurian masterpiece. In the second half of the unit, students will examine later adaptations, from the works of Victorian authors and poets to modern media, including film and television.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Exploration units offer thought-provoking and engaging investigations into key topics, including period-focused, thematic, and trans-historical options. You will hone your abilities as a researcher able to navigate skilfully a range of databases and archives, as well as engaging effectively with more advanced critical and theoretical perspectives. Exploration units ask you to both rethink the familiar and meet the unexpected, and encourage you to develop depth as well as breadth of critical understanding.
An overview of content
This unit focuses on Arthurian Literature from the twelfth century to the present day. Following a chronological approach, it will introduce students to authors who have defined and redefined King Arthur as a popular legend, both during the Middle Ages and beyond. On this unit, students will engage with a variety of texts and medias, including medieval romances and chronicles, Victorian poetry, American literature, film and television.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
On completion of this unit, students will have gained an increased understanding of the development of the Arthurian legend from its earliest literary sources to recent adaptations in modern media. Students will refine their ability to analyse and consider works in the context of place and period, to engage intertextually across different modes, genres, and medias, and to present an argument, both independently and collaboratively. The skills gained on this unit will aid students in their transition to further in-depth study in year three.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
The unit is taught by seminars and a lecture programme. Teaching includes group discussion, research and writing activities, and peer dialogue. Students are expected to attend all timetabled teaching, engage with the reading, and participate fully with the weekly tasks and topics. Learning will be further supported through the opportunity for individual consultation.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Group project (30%) [ILOs 1-4].
2,500 word essay (70%) [ILOs 1-3].
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ENGL20060).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
