English 259F1
Literature of the Quest
Professor Hunter

Welcome to the Quest!

The theme of the quest runs through western literature from its very beginnings--from Homer (or from the Sumerian/Babylonian versions of Gilgamesh if you want to be more broadly Mediterranean about what "western literature" means), through Virgil and Dante, and down to modern entertainment like Star Wars, The Matrix, and Harry Potter.  English 259F1:  Literature of the Quest provides an introductory look at the way this theme is treated in a selection of works from the medieval, early modern, and Romantic traditions. 

The course focuses on the reading and appreciation of the following works:  

• Beowulf

• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• Chaucer, Canterbury Tales (selections)

• Malory, Morte d'Arthur (selections)

• Cervantes, Don Quixote (Part I and excerpts from Part II)

• Goethe, Faust (Part I)

In addition to general reading and appreciation, students will be introduced to the basic vocabulary of literary criticism, and to some of the historical and cultural contexts which produced the works.  Class discussion will center on the relationship of the individual to the community, to other individuals, and to the demands of morality and religious faith.

Course requirements will include three critical papers, a group presentation, and a number of short quizzes.  Students will also be expected to participate in the Forum, the class online discussion group.  See the Syllabus for more details about course requirements.

• Course Syllabus: The goals and course requirements for English 259, as well as a day-by-day
  Schedule of Assignments. 

• Discussion Forum: An online threaded discussion for students to present their critical reactions to
  the class texts, and to respond to the reactions of others. 

• Resources for Literary Study: A selection of Internet resources related to the class readings, as well
  as some more general resources.

• Additional Reading on Sir Gawain:  The tale of Pelleas and Ettard from Malory's Morte d'Arthur.

• Edgewood College Policies on Academic Honesty and Plagiarism: Required reading for anyone in an English course. 

• Information on the Professor: Office hours, phone numbers, and other such useful data. 
  

• Back to English Dept. Homepage 

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