Medieval Literature Research Project

1. Medieval Literature Research Project All this information is posted online on our websites.

2. Literature and the Middle Ages Project • In class we have been learning about medieval history and culture. • Your job is to become scholars about a facet of medieval society and then analyze a work of medieval literature in conjunction with an assigned aspect of medieval life and culture. • You need to work to become experts of both medieval society and literature. • We will then come together as a class to have a Medieval Market Place of Ideas to celebrate and deeply understand the roots of social commentary in medieval literature.

3. As a group you will produce the following: • —A visual representing your researched element of medieval society and explanation of how it relates to your assigned work. • —A typed page of notes explaining your research and how it relates to your assigned work to distribute to your classmates. • —A comparative piece about the passages’ use of language and the effect of different literary characteristics on the passage. • Point of view, figurative language, translation to English, mode [poetry or prose], how the work was originally shared) • --A brief biography of the author and a picture, if they are known to exist. • —In class, you will present a 3-5 minute explanation of your work and findings. (Costumes and other elements to enhance your fellow students’ learning are optional but encouraged.)

4. Scoring and rubrics • You will receive a group grade for this work. There is a more detailed rubric online. You will be assessed on the following criteria: • Historical Content shows depth, breadth, understanding, and analysis /25 • Literary Analysis that shows both a close, interpretive reading of multiple literary elements & direct connection to historical research /25 • An educational, practical, clear, and creative visual presentation /15 • Properly formatted works cited page /5 • Extra Credit: Use of Primary Source Document to help enhance historical research (1-3 points extra credit) • TOTAL SCORE: /70 • You will also be receiving an 10-point Process Grade for your participation in the market and contribution to your group.

5. Group options • Beowulf: Medieval honor, heroism, valor, warfare  • Decameron:Black Plague and mortality and other social ramifications on peasant life • Canterbury Tales: Pardoner's Tales- Role of church in society • Canterbury Tales: Wife of Bath’s Tale- Role of women in society, role of the court • Canterbury Tales: Nun's Priest's Tale- Role of church in society • Inferno Canto I (p. 737 text): Allegory and Symbolism • Inferno Canto III (p. 742 text): Contrapasso • Inferno Canto V (p. 748 text) Contrapasso • Inferno Canto XXVIII: Contrapasso and the Role of Islam • Inferno Canto XXIX: Contrapasso and Alchemy • Inferno Canto XXIV: Contrapasso and Thieves/Penal Code • Inferno Canto XXXIV (p. 753 text): Contrapasso and Irony • Lay of the Were-wolf (p. 724 text): Role of courtly love and chivalry • Piers Plowman: role of the church in the middle ages • Summa Theologica: role of the monastery/university system and/or church • Njal’sSaga: Vikings- feud and exile