I. Arthur, Guinevere, Tristan, Isolt, Lancelot, and Perceval are not historical personages. They are literary characters in romances created first by poets in twelfth- and thirteenth-century France. This course will scrutinize the relationship of literature to historical reality (the mind-set of a feudal-aristocratic and classical-Christian culture, knighthood and chivalry, attitudes toward women, etc.) and the nature of literature itself, with special attention to the creation of myth (the Arthurian world is one of the great myths of modern times) and the relevance of such books to the reader of today. Students will learn how to analyze texts in a more sophisticated way, using modern critical approaches.

II. Students are expected to keep up with reading assignments and to participate actively in class discussion. One long paper or two mid-length papers will be required. No exams.

III.  The Lais of Marie de France. Labyrinth Press.
 Beroul. Romance of Tristan. Penguin.
 Thomas of Britain. Tristan. TIS/UBS Packet.
 Chrétien de Troyes. Lancelot. Yale.
 Chrétien de Troyes. Yvain. Yale.
The Quest of the Holy Grail. Penguin.
The Death of King Arthur. Penguin.
Renard the Fox. U. Cal.

IV.    Aug.     23      Introduction
                     28      Marie de France
                     30      Marie
        Sept.       4      Marie
                       6      Marie
                      11     Beroul
                      13     Beroul
                      18     Beroul
                      20     Beroul and Thomas of Britain
                      25     Thomas
                      27     Thomas
        Oct.         2     Thomas
                        4     Lancelot
                        9     Lancelot
                      11     Lancelot
                      16     Yvain
                      18     Reading Period
                      23     Yvain
                      25     Yvain
                      30     Yvain
         Nov.       1     Quest of the Grail
                        6     Quest
                        8     Quest and Death of King Arthur
                      13      Death
                      15      Death
                      20      Death
                      22      Secular Holiday
                      27      Renard the Fox
                      29      Renard the Fox
         Dec.      4       Conclusion