John Jay College of Criminal Justice
The City University of New York
New Course Proposal: LIT 3XX
When completed, this proposal should be submitted to the Office of the Associate Provost for consideration by the College Curriculum Committee.
1. Department (s) proposing this course:
English
2. Title of the course:
Law and Justice in European Medieval Literature
Abbreviated title (up to 20 characters):
Law Just Eur Med Lit
3. Level of this course:
___100 Level ___200 Level _X_300 Level ___400 Level
4. Course description as it is to appear in the College bulletin:
(Write in complete sentences except for prerequisites, hours and credits.)
This course introduces the student to the classics of medieval literature and to the legal structure of the period. Each semester, individual instructors will anchor the course in specific cultures, bodies of law, and primary texts. Medieval law was often unwritten, and performed locally through debate and decision, and public ritual gestures (clasping of hands, kissing, the giving of objects as pledges, touching relics, etc.). Medieval literature often dramatizes such rituals and legal issues. The course ranges broadly over many centuries and encompasses (translated) texts in many languages, principally Latin. Students should be prepared to learn some key terms of vocabulary and basic linguistic principles.
5. Has this course been taught on an experimental basis?
_X_ No
___ Yes: Semester (s) and year (s):
Teacher (s):
Enrollment (s):
Prerequisite (s):
6. Prerequisites:
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
For non-majors: ENG 201 and one Gen Ed Literature course
7. Number of: class hours 3_ lab hours ___ credits 3__
8. Brief rationale for the course:
In terms of both concept and vocabulary, a substantial body of modern American law has its roots in medieval law. For reasons outlined in the course description above, any understanding of medieval culture entails the study not only of the legal and historical world of the Middle Ages but also of the literary. This exceptional connection between medieval literature and the law uncovers the many ways in which modern law both determines and is determined by modern culture. In addition, medieval and modern notions of justice differ radically yet share deep affinities. Understanding this nuanced relationship is fundamental to a truly historical grasp of our justice system today.
This course is of direct relevance to students in the English major and other programs. In the English major this course will be one of several electives in the Literature and the Law Concentration. As an elective in the Justice Studies major, this course elaborates on many topics covered in HJS 250 (Justice in the Western Tradition). It is also an in-depth continuation of ideas explored in HIS 231 (The Origins of the Contemporary World: From the Classical Period to the Enlightenment).
9a. Knowledge and performance objectives of this course:
(What knowledge will the student be expected to acquire and what conceptual and
applied skills will be learned in this course?)
Students will acquire:
· A foundational understanding of medieval literature.
· An understanding of the connection between medieval literature and the law.
· An appreciation of the simultaneous connections and differences between medieval and modern conceptions of justice.
· Increased efficiency in close reading, critical thinking and writing.
9b. Information literacy:
(Indicate what sorts of information seeking skills will be enhanced by this course,
e.g., use of the internet, access to specialized databases, literature search skills,
etc.)
· Students will read and analyze primary materials from medieval literature, medieval law and jurisprudence, and medieval history
· Students acquire a basic introduction to the multi-lingual nature of medieval law, in particular Latin
· Students will search for, retrieve and read secondary sources through online MLA bibliographies and electronic journal databases, and will summarize and incorporate these resources into their essays.
10. Recommended writing assignments:
(Indicate types of writing assignments and number of pages of each type. Writing
assignments should satisfy the College’s requirements for writing across the
curriculum.)
Requirements will include:
· Online quizzes (on Blackboard)
· Weekly postings to Discussion Board (on Blackboard)
· Short summaries of secondary materials
· Three essays (3-4 pp.)
· Final paper (8 pp.)
11. Will this course be part of any major(s) or program(s)?
___No
__X_Yes. Major or program: English, Justice Studies
What part of the major? (Prerequisite, core skills, etc.)
elective in the English major – Part Five – Lit and Law Concentration
elective in Justice Studies – Part Two – Disciplinary Component B, Literature
12. Is this course related to other specific courses?
_X_ No
__ Yes. Indicate which course(s) and what the relationship will be
(e.g. prerequisite, sequel, etc.)
13. If this course was not taught on an experimental basis, are library, computer, lab or other resources necessary for this course?
_X_No
___Yes. With whom has this been discussed?
Ellen Sexton 2/26/07
The English Department is and has been engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the Library regarding improving the collection to adequately support the proposed English major and the associated new courses. Money additional to the regular Library budget is being provided by the College to fund new acquisitions. The Library subscribes to many relevant serial titles already, thanks to the collaborative resource sharing of electronic materials with other CUNY libraries. However, the monograph (and other book) collections in this subject area do need to be augmented. The English Department is providing the Library with lists of titles for acquisition.
14. Sample syllabus and bibliography: attached
15. This section is to be completed by the chair (s) of the department (s) proposing the course.
Name (s) of the Chairperson (s): Jon-Christian Suggs
Has this proposal been approved at a meeting of the department curriculum committee?
___No X___Yes: Meeting date: 2/5/07
When will this course be taught?
Every semester, starting ______
One semester each year, starting _ Fall 2008
Once every two years, starting ______
How many sections of this course will be offered? _one______
Who will be assigned to teach this course?
Professors Allen and Tung
Is this proposed course similar to or related to any course or major offered by any other department (s)?
_X__No
___Yes. What course (s) or major (s) is this course similar or related to?
Did you consult with department (s) offering similar or related courses or majors?
X__Not applicable___ No ___Yes
If yes, give a short summary of the consultation process and results.
Will any course be withdrawn if this course is approved?
X___No
___Yes, namely:
Signature (s) of chair of Department (s) proposing this course:
Date: Feb 6 2007___
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY
445 W. 59th St., New York NY 10019
“Law and Justice in Medieval Literature: Medieval England”
sample syllabus
Professor: Valerie Allen
Semester: Semester 2***
Course Code: Lit 3**
Course Section: **
Classroom: ***
Class time: ***
Professor’s office: 1295N
Office Hours: by appointment
Professor’s phone and e-mail: (212) 237-8594:
Course Pre- or co-requisites: For non-majors: ENG 201 and one Gen. Ed. Lit. course
Course Description:
This course is designed to introduce the student to the classics of medieval English literature, to a sense of England’s legal structure during the period, and, most importantly, to an understanding of how deeply both discourses reflect each other. Medieval law was often unwritten, and performed locally through debate and decision, and public ritual gestures (clasping of hands, kissing, the giving of objects as pledges, touching relics, etc.). Medieval literature often dramatizes such rituals and legal issues. The period covered is some 800 years, and although most texts will be taught in translation, the original texts are written in Old English (very like German), Latin, Anglo-Norman, and Middle English, so students should be prepared to pay attention to this, and learn some key terms of vocabulary/basic linguistic principles. In this course, we consider the close kinship between literature and the law in the medieval period, and the ways in which the relationship between literary and legal discourse has changed over the centuries.
Learning Objectives:
Students will acquire:
· A foundational understanding of medieval literature.
· An understanding of the connection between medieval literature and the law
· An appreciation of the simultaneous connections and differences between medieval and modern conceptions of justice
· Increased efficiency in close reading, critical thinking and writing.
Required Texts:
· Beowulf: A New Verse Translation, ed. Seamus Heaney (London & New York: Norton, 2000).
· Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Wife of Bath, ed. Peter Beidler. Boston: Bedford, 1996.
· Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Patience, Pearl, ed. and trans. Marie Borroff. New York: Norton, 2001.
· Malory, Thomas. Complete Works. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1977.
· The York Plays. Ed. Richard Beadle. London: Edward Arnold, 1982.
Academic Integrity: By registering in this course, you are promising to abide by all the requirements stated in this syllabus, which include the following: plagiarism and cheating are serious academic offences, and will result in disciplinary action. It is essential that I, as your professor, am able to trust that all work you submit to me is your own, and that it openly acknowledges all outside input and help. If, in my professional judgment, the work or part of the work you submit presents the work of another in the guise of your own, then that trust is broken and penalties are incurred, which can include outright failure of the course, and being reported—it’s not worth it. Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s work or ideas as your own; this includes work taken from the internet without citation as well as unacknowledged “proofing” or “help with writing.” Please read CUNY’s policy on academic integrity at
http://www1.cuny.edu/portal_ur/content/2004/policies/image/policy.pdf
See also JJC’s Undergraduate Bulletin on plagiarism for further details. JJC subscribes to “Turnitin,” which checks written work for unacknowledged material taken from the internet.
Attendance: Attendance from day one is compulsory, and roll will be taken every class. You are allowed to miss up to four classes without penalty, whether excused or not. Late attendance, early departure, or inattentive or disruptive behavior all count as a half absence. Your final grade will be penalized in the event of absence over the permitted four classes; at seven classes missed, you fail the course. In the event of a class absence, it is the responsibility of the individual student to find out any information, assignments, or handouts disseminated from the missed class.
Classroom Procedure: All students are expected to have prepared the designated assignment for each class, to participate frequently in class discussion, and to behave with courtesy to professor and students alike. Please note that leaving the room for whatever reason once class has started is not permitted, and all beepers/mobiles must be switched off for the duration of the class.
Blackboard: This class is supported by Blackboard, and many of the texts and resources you will need can only be accessed through Blackboard. You should make sure that your John Jay e-mail account is active, and it is highly recommended that you use it for registering for BB rather than some other. It will be the responsibility of each student both to consult the Blackboard bulletin/information resources regularly for timetabling announcements and to ensure access to a computer with the internet capability necessary to access Blackboard.
Assessment: You will be asked to write notes in the form of short summaries or short answers to questions on everything you read. There will be three shorter papers through the semester of 3-4 pp. each and one long final paper of 8 pp. Essay I will address issues specific to Anglo-Saxon law and literature. Essay II will require comparison between Anglo-Saxon and later medieval English culture (legal and literary). Essay III will be on a general theme (such as gender or war) and will invite comparison between earlier and later texts. The final paper is enable students to focus on their own preferred topic of research; it is expected to show historical range, and compare different literary texts; implied comparison between medieval and modern law in general is also welcome in this final paper. See following percentage weighting.
Attendance and Participation 10%
Weekly quizzes and short summaries of secondary materials 30%
Three papers 30%
Final paper (exam) 30%
class schedule—subject to adjustment
Date / Class / Text / Topic / Announcements1 / Handout / Historical Overview of OE Period to 1066. / In-Class Writing
2 / Beowulf / The story. Introduction to OE language/alliteration. / Summary
3 / Beowulf / The socio-economic role of treasure, gifts, hoards, burial. (Supplementary material: Sutton Hoo, Widsith) / Quiz
4 / Beowulf / Kingship (Supplementary material: Anglo-Saxon Chronicle) / Summary
5 / Beowulf / Kinship (Supplementary material: Tacitus on comitatus; The Battle of Maldon) / Quiz
6 / Beowulf / Legal compensation (Supplementary material: Anglo-Saxon laws) / Essay I Due
7 / Bayeux Tapestry CD / Historical Overview of Norman Invasion and Anglo-Norman Period (to C.12th) / Summary
8 / Bayeux Tapestry CD / Feudal relations—fealty and homage. (Supplementary material: Song of Roland) / Quiz
9 / Bayeux Tapestry CD / Oath-taking and relics. (Supplementary material: Anglo-Saxon Laws; Bynum) / Summary
10 / Ancrene Wisse / Historical overview of C.12th-13th England, common law, religious orders, anchoritism. / Quiz
11 / Ancrene Wisse / Canon law, Ecclesiastical and Secular Courts (Supplementary material: Helmholz) / Summary
12 / Ancrene Wisse / Confession, penance. (Supplementary material: Tentler) / Quiz
13 / Pearl / Historical Overview of C.14th, Black Death. / Summary
14 / Pearl / Preaching, parables, wages. (Supplementary material: Statute of Laborers) / Essay II Due
15 / Piers Plowman / Anti-Ecclesiastical Protest (Supplementary material: Chaucer’s Summoner’s Tale, sermons) / Quiz
16 / Piers Plowman / The Peasants’ Revolt. (Supplementary material: Dobson) / Summary
17 / Chaucer, Wife of Bath’s Prologue / Women, marriage, virginity (Supplementary material: Holy Maidenhood, Book of Margery Kempe) / Quiz
18 / Chaucer, Wife of Bath’s Prologue / Women and Trade (Supplementary material: Internet Medieval Sourcebook) / Quiz
19 / Malory / Chivalric code, jousts, tournaments. (Supplementary Material: Barker) / Summary
20 / Malory / Warfare (Supplementary material: Internet Medieval Sourcebook) / Quiz
last / day / to resign without / academic penalty
21 / Malory / The ordeal (Supplementary material: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight) / Essay III Due
22 / Malory / The ordeal (Supplementary material: Bartlett, Hyams) / Summary
23 / Early English Wills / Canon law and its waning jurisdiction. (Supplementary material: Houlbrooke). / Final Paper Drafting
24 / Early English Wills / Orality and Literacy. (Supplementary material: Hibbits) / Final Paper Drafting
25 / York plays / Staging, Context and History of the York Corpus Christi Play. / Final Paper Drafting
26 / York plays / The York guilds and mercantile law (Supplementary material: Internet Medieval Sourcebook) / Final Paper Drafting
27 / York plays / Anti-Semitism (Supplementary material: Internet Medieval Sourcebook) / Final Paper Drafting
28 / York plays / From Faith to Heresy (Supplementary material: Duffy) / Final Paper Drafting
Final / Exam / Final Paper Due
General Bibliography and Supplementary Reading—relevant excerpts will be available on Blackboard