LIT 374 Legends of King Arthur
Recent popular interest in Arthurian literature and cinema offers a chance to incorporate methods of literary study in a form that interests both literature majors and non-majors. A historicist approach to Arthurian legend allows students to examine a number of current theoretical concerns such as changing gender roles and relationships, growth of historical consciousness, and issues of colonization and national identity. Moreover, the inclusion of Arthurian films based on some of the assigned texts provides a basis for discussing questions of genre and of modern uses of older material.
Prerequisites
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective August 27, 2005 to present
Meets graduation requirements for
Learning outcomes
General
- Analyze the relationships among Arthurian materials and the social or political contexts of different historical periods ¿ at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
- Articulate substantial and clearly presented responses to the Arthurian tradition ¿ at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
- Conduct analysis that is responsive to details and to complexities of text and theme as expressed in Arthurian literature and in other media ¿ at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
- Demonstrate familiarity with genres and subgenres of literary and other treatments of Arthurian legend and understand the development and characteristics of these subgenres ¿ at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
- Interpret works pertaining to the legends of King Arthur, applying cultural evidence as relevant ¿ at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
- Know the historical and aesthetic development of the Arthurian narratives from medieval origins to contemporary reworkings ¿ at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
- Master the integration of literary evidence into the student¿s own writing, including standard formatting and citation practices ¿ at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
- Read and respond to works about King Arthur with intelligence and sensitivity ¿ at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
- Understand and apply literary terms, theoretical concepts, reading strategies, and analytical methods to the study of Arthurian narratives ¿ at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts
- Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
- Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
- Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
- Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
- Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.