University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

The term ‘Middle Ages’ designates the time period from the collapse of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and Reformation. The literature that was produced during this era of enormous linguistic, historical, and social change is referred to as ‘medieval’. The term derives from the Latin words: medum (middle) and aevum (age). The literary texts covered in this seminar reflect medieval authors’ preoccupation with Christian piety – a powerful and recurring theme throughout this period. A wide range of medieval texts will be considered, stretching from Bede’s ‘The Story of Cædmon’ (ca. 673-735) to the York Play of the Crucifixion (ca. 1425), and also including: a selection of Middle English Incarnation and Crucifixion lyrics; Julian of Norwich’s Book of Showings; The Book of Margery Kempe; and the poem, ‘Pearl’.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Display a detailed and substantial knowledge of the medieval texts on the course.
  2. Analyse the prescribed texts critically within their socio-historical context
  3. Demonstrate competence in planning, structuring, and writing critical analysis of a range of medieval texts.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of a range of different interpretations of medieval texts.
  5. Synthesise theories and secondary scholarship on medieval literature with original, independent analysis.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Vol. A: The Middle Ages" by Stephen Greenblatt (ed.)
    ISBN: 13: 978-03939.
    Publisher: Norton
The above information outlines module EN2146: "Medieval Piety: Poetry, Play, Prose (S1)" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.