Overview

This module explores the transformation and adaptation of medieval Arthurian myths and legends in the post-medieval period, from the sixteenth century to the twenty-first. Emphasis will be placed on cultural and linguistic change alongside political uses of the legends in Britain, Ireland and Continental traditions from the Reformation to the nineteenth-century revival and beyond, in modern and contemporary international culture. The effect of the printing press on literary and cultural production will be investigated in relation to religious reform and state formation, articulated in both broad cultural agendas and localised, community interests in preserving the stories of Arthur. Textual traditions will include, but not be limited to, the work of English writers (e.g. Spenser, Dryden and Drayton); non-canonical writers from Welsh and English literary backgrounds; the Romantic revival of bardic culture in the British Isles and Europe; leading figures of the nineteenth-century revival (including Tennyson and Morris, and European traditions, including classical opera); the birth of literary canons across Europe; the modern fantasy genre and modern media. Specialists from English, Welsh and Continental literature, film and media will be involved in teaching and supervision on this module. The module will complement knowledge acquired in semester 1 for postgraduates on the MA in Arthurian Studies, while it will offer students on other programmes (the MA in Medieval Studies, the MA Celts, the MA in English literature and the MA in Creative Writing), who might take it as an optional module, the opportunity to engage with textual traditional from a transhistorical thematic and theoretical perspective.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59%A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities: •A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression. •Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues. •Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability. •Accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

-good -60-69%A (B) candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities: •An advanced level of factual knowledge. •Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Some evidence of original thought. •The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought. •Fluent and accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

-excellent -70% and aboveTypically, the work of an (A) candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities: •Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically. •Introduction and discussion of original ideas. •Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument. •High ratio of analysis to exposition. •Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression. •Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and interpret the transformation and adaptation of medieval Arthurian myths and legends in the post-medieval period, from the sixteenth century to the twenty-first.

• Critically assess the effect of the printing press on literary and cultural production in relation to religious reform and state formation as articulated in both broad cultural agendas and localised, community interests in preserving the stories of Arthur.

• Evaluate and employ differing critical approaches to the analysis of the transformation and adaptation of medieval Arthurian myths and legends in the post-medieval period, from the sixteenth century to the twenty-first.

• Interpret the impact of cultural, political, technological and lingustic change on Arthurian myths and legends in the post-medieval period to the modern.