What This Document Is
This is a syllabus for ENGL 420: Chaucer and His Age, offered at Western Carolina University. It’s a foundational document outlining the expectations, requirements, and policies for a college-level course dedicated to the study of Geoffrey Chaucer’s works and the broader literary and historical context of 14th-century England. It serves as a contract between the instructor and students, detailing how the course will be conducted and assessed.
Why This Document Matters
This syllabus is essential for any student enrolled – or considering enrollment – in this Chaucer course. It provides a clear understanding of the course’s objectives, the workload involved, and the grading criteria. Prospective students can use it to determine if the course aligns with their academic interests and capabilities. Current students will refer to it throughout the semester to stay informed about assignments, deadlines, and important university policies. Understanding the course structure *before* committing time and resources is crucial for academic success.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This syllabus provides an overview of the course, but it does not contain the actual course content – the readings, lectures, or detailed analyses of Chaucer’s works. It outlines assessment methods but doesn’t provide examples of successful assignments. It also doesn’t delve into the specific interpretations or arguments that will be explored in class; those are developed through engagement with the material itself. It’s a roadmap, not the journey.
What This Document Provides
* A detailed course description and stated learning outcomes.
* A list of required texts for the semester.
* Information regarding attendance expectations and participation grading.
* The grading scale used to determine final course grades.
* Policies regarding academic integrity and plagiarism.
* Information on accommodations available for students with disabilities.
* Important contact information for the instructor and relevant university resources.
* A statement regarding potentially sensitive content that may be encountered in the course.