This course traces the evolution of Arthurian stories, their adaptation for different genres, and the very creation of the genre of Arthurian Literature: we will read Malory’s Morte D’Arthur all year, simultaneously reading his sources, their analogues, and other sources. Our objectives are to see how Malory’s use of his sources created the canonical version of Arthurian legend in English and to consider how Malory himself has been used and studied since the 15th century.
Given the cross-cultural inquiry, most of our texts will be taught in translation; the exception will be Malory’s Morte D’Arthur, since 15th century English is not so difficult as to require more than normalised spelling (and a student’s flexible attitude towards syntax!).
- Teacher: Andrea Schutz