Prof. George H. Brown
Office: Margaret Jacks Hall (Bldg. 460), room 319
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Telephone: (72)3-3014. E-mail: brown@stanford

I. Course Description

From the rich heritage of Arthurian material we will read and discuss a selection of interesting medieval narratives. Drawing on the suggested readings and bibliography provided in the course, students on their own can investigate Arthuriana in other literature, media presentations, and the www. Although the course will concentrate on the medieval versions of the Arthurian tales, we will make some comparisons with 19th and 20th century revivals and developments of the Arthurian myth in literature, art, and film. Besides the weekly short paper, students enrolled for five units will analyze a later manifestation of Arthurian legend in literature or in another medium, such as film or painting. Students may also elect to assist in developing an Arthurian website.

This course assumes no prior knowledge. There are no prerequisites. English majors sign up for English 165b; non-majors have a choice of English 65b for 3 units or English 165b for 5 units. The course fulfills GER AREA 3A and 4C.

II. Format

We shall meet in 300-300 on Monday and Wednesday for lecture; there will be occasional, slide or video presentations. On Thursday we shall meet in sections for discussion and work.

III. Requirements:

1. Attendance and participation in class and in section; completion of assigned readings prior to scheduled discussion.
2. Assignments:
a. After the second week, a weekly one-page written report, posted on the Newsgroup website, on some aspect of the weekÕs reading that compelled your interest;
b. A quiz will occasionally be substituted with suitable notice for the weekly report;
c. A two to three page oral and written presentation on an Arthurian subject approved by an instructor (professor or t.a.)
d. For students taking the course for 3 units, a final brief summary paper (3-5 pages); for students taking the course for 5 units, a critical research paper of 10-12 pages on an approved topic, using sources from Green Library, especially Special Collections.

Chrétien de Troyes. Arthurian Romances. Penguin, 1991
Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Wife of Bath. Edited by Peter G. Beidler. Bedford Books, 1996.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Edited and ranslated by James Winny. Broadview, 1997.
Malory, Thomas. Le Morte Darthur. Edited by Helen Cooper. Oxford University Press, 1998.
Marie de France. Lais. Edited by Glynn Burgess and Keith Busby. Penguin, 1999.
Wilhelm, James J., ed. The Romance of Arthur. Garland, 1994.

Week I Wed., Sept. 27, and Thurs, Sept. 28
Introduction. Distribution of Syllabi.
Read for next week: Romance of Arthur, ed. Wilhelm, chs. I: Chronicles, II: Welsh Arthurian, and III: Culhwch and Olwen.

Week II Oct.2- 5
Romance of Arthur, ch. IV: Geoffrey of Monmouth.
Weekly reports begin in section.

Week III Oct. 9-12
Romance of Arthur , ch. V: Wace, Roman de Brut, and Layamon, Brut.
Ch. XIV, Prose Merlin, Suite de Merlin.

Week IV Oct. 17-19
Marie de France, Lais, esp. Lanval (pp. 73-81), Chevrefoil (pp. 109-110), and Eliduc (pp. 111-128).
ChrŽtien de Troyes, Erec and Enide, Cliges.

Week V Oct. 23-26
ChrŽtien de Troyes, The Knight of the Cart, The Knight with the Lion.

Week VI Oct. 30-Nov. 2
ChrŽtien de Troyes, The Story of the Grail;
Tuesday, Arthurian Illustrations
Wednesday, on Arthurian women.

Week VII Nov. 6-9
Romance of Arthur, ch. X: Beroul, The Romance of Tristan;
ch. XII: Thomas of Britain, Tristan;
ch. XIII. Cantare on the Death of Tristan

Week VIII Nov. 13-16
Romance of Arthur, ch. XV, Rise of Gawain;
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, ed. Winney;
Romance of Arthur, ch. XVII, Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnell

Week IX Nov. 20-23
Chaucer, Wife of Bath's Tale;
Romance of Arthur, ch. 7: Alliterative Morte Arthur;
Sir Thomas Malory, Morte DÕArthur, introduction

Week X Nov. 27-29
1. Malory, King Arthur and his Knights, Merlin
2. Balin, Pelleas and Ettard

Week XI Dec. 4-7
1. Malory, The Knight of the Cart, Lancelot and Elaine
2. The Holy Grail, The Poisoned Apple, The Fair Maid of Astolat
3. The Death of King Arthur

Monday, Dec. 11: Final Paper due.

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