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EL35DQ: KNIGHTS, VIRGINS AND VIRAGOS: CHAUCER AND MEDIEVAL WRITING (2026-2027)

Last modified: 17 Hours, 7 Minutes ago


Course Overview

Knights, Virgins, and Viragos offers an introduction to the variety of medieval literature and culture. Turning a critical eye on the role misconceptions of the Middle Ages play in present day white supremacy, the course highlights genres from medieval drama to life writing, with attention to the medieval history of race making and modern responses to medieval texts.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Helen Lynch
  • Dr Elizabeth Elliott

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Yes

One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.


Course Description

Knights, Virgins, and Viragos offers an introduction to the variety of medieval literature and culture. Turning a critical eye on the role misconceptions of the Middle Ages play in present day white supremacy, the course highlights genres from medieval drama to life writing, with attention to the medieval history of race making and modern responses to medieval texts. Emphasising the diversity of medieval writing, texts to be studied may include The King of Tars, selected Canterbury Tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Marie de France’s Laüstic, and Patience Agbabi’s Telling Tales. 


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Project Reflection

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Detailed written feedback on the essay.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Project Report/Dissertation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Detailed written feedback

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Detailed written feedback on the essay.

Word Count 3000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback Word Count 3500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandAn ability to read and appreciate a selection of medieval texts, representing a variety of genres
ProceduralUnderstandAn ability to think and speak cogently about medieval literature.
ProceduralApplyAn ability to organise study time effectively.
ReflectionCreateAn ability to write clearly, succinctly, grammatically and idiomatically.
ProceduralUnderstandAn ability to read and appreciate Middle English
ReflectionAnalyseAn ability to understand and examine issues raised by the interpretation of medieval literature.
ProceduralAnalyseAn ability to discuss complex issues with clarity and cogency, both orally and in writing.

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