Class Policies and Requirements
- This course examines selected literary works from the Anglo-Saxon period to the end of the fifteenth century. As we explore the formal structures and themes of these texts, we will try to develop a critical vocabulary for the discussion of early literature, a sense of how it differs from modern literature, some knowledge the cultural contexts in which this material was produced and read, and an awareness of the particular practices—textual, linguistic, critical, and interpretive—which underwrite its study.
- Class meets twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:40 to 10:55. Since the success of the class depends on your input, attendance is required. You are allowed two absences without excuse; after that I’ll drop your final grade by three points for each additional unexcused absence. If you expect to have a problem with lateness or absence on a particular day, please let me know as early as possible. Only very serious or very imaginative excuses will be considered legitimate. We will spend most of each class discussing a set of readings, so please come to class prepared.
- Written work on the class consists of three critical summaries of secondary works (3-5 pages each), five response papers to the “Key Questions” on the syllabus (1-2 page each), and a final exam. Any written work must follow a standard format (MLA, Chicago Manual of Style, APA, etc.) in matters of presentation and citation of references; The library has links to online sites giving examples of various styles of citation and general guides to grammar and style. Another fine source on research and documentation can be found here.
- Texts are available at the bookstore; most of them are also on overnight reserve in Hodges library. You are also ree to read other editions or translations; we will spent part of our time in class discussing the problems of reading in translation. Items marked (R) are on reserve at the Library; you should download or photocopy these for your own reading. Items available online are linked to the syllabus.
- My office hours are 9 am - noon Tuesdays and Thursdays, and by appointment at almost any other time. Please email me at rliuzza@utk.edu for an appointment, or call 974-6970 with any questions or comments you might have about any aspect of the class or assignments.
- It should go without saying that rigorous standards of academic honesty are expected from all students at all times. As students of the University of Tennessee you have made a personal commitment to honor and integrity; this includes a pledge that you will “will neither knowingly give nor receive any inappropriate assistance in academic work” (see the student handbook Hilltopics here). All work submitted must be your own, and any instances of plagiarism or copying will receive a grade of zero; further penalties can include failure in the course or suspension from the university. If you are at all uncertain about this topic, please see me before you turn in your paper. The library has links to online resources for understanding and avoiding plagiarism here.
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