All this information is posted online on our websites. MEDIEVAL LITERATURE RESEARCH PROJECT

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.

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.)

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 You will be assessed on the following criteria: Historical Content shows depth, breadth, understanding, and analysis /25 Literary Analysis that shows both a close, interpretive reading of multiple literary elements & direct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.

GROUP OPTIONS 1.Beowulf: Medieval honor, heroism, valor, warfare 2.Decameron: Black Plague and mortality and other social ramifications on peasant life 3.Canterbury Tales: Pardoner's Tales- Role of church in society 4.Canterbury Tales: Wife of Bath’s Tale- Role of women in society, role of the court 5.Canterbury Tales: Nun's Priest's Tale- Role of church in society 6.Inferno Canto I (p. 737 text): Allegory and Symbolism 7.Inferno Canto III (p. 742 text): Contrapasso 8.Inferno Canto V (p. 748 text) Contrapasso 9.Inferno Canto XXVIII: Contrapasso and the Role of Islam 10.Inferno Canto XXIX: Contrapasso and Alchemy 11.Inferno Canto XXIV: Contrapasso and Thieves/Penal Code 12.Inferno Canto XXXIV (p. 753 text): Contrapasso and Irony 13.Lay of the Were-wolf (p. 724 text): Role of courtly love and chivalry 14. Piers Plowman: role of the church in the middle ages 15.Summa Theologica: role of the monastery/university system and/or church 16. Njal’s Saga: Vikings- feud and exile