Course Overview
The programme in Medieval Literature looks closely at the eighth to the twelfth century, including a selection of the period's major works, such as Beowulf, The Faerie Queene, as well as non-canonical and non-literary works by lesser-known authors. Critical attention on this programme is focused especially on continuities and discontinuities between the early medieval and late medieval periods, with a special focus upon Anglo-Saxon heroic literature and medieval dream poetry.
The programme is underpinned by advanced research methods, the study of theoretically informed critical approaches, and the scholarly examination of manuscripts and early printed books.
The University has a well-established record of research and teaching in English. Unusually for the sector, its provision at all levels has enabled students to study Medieval Literature drawing on specialist staff expertise and resources, particularly the holdings of the Special Collections of the Roderic Bowen Library: a unique resource which houses the Special Collections of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, including over 35,000 printed works, 8 medieval manuscripts, around 100 post medieval manuscripts, and 69 incunabula.
Key Features
The programme is delivered on the University's campus in Lampeter. They are taught through seminars, small workshops and individual tutorials and supervision that enable detailed and personalised feedback.
Access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables additional learning, especially work-shopping, to take place outside the sessions and supports the development of a mutually supportive cohort of committed writers. Graduates from the programmes have gone on to become successful and prize winning authors.
Moreover this programme will offer:
- Expert tuition from research active specialist staff
- Exceptional resources in the specialist holdings of the Roderic Bown Library
- Small seminar based classes
- Residential programme based on our beautiful and inpiring campus in Lampeter
Modules
Students will choose three modules. Below is an illustrative list of modules available:
- Research Metoods
- Comparative and Critical Approaches
- Medieval Manuscript Studies
- Epic, Religion, Philosophy
- Beowulf and Heroic Literature
- Medieval Poetry of Dream and Debate
Course Tutor(s)
- Dr Paul Wright
- Dr Jeni Williams
- Dr Peter Mitchell
- Dr William Marx
Assessment
Assessment is through a mixture of assignment and presentation supported by tasks designed to enhance research skills. The dissertation allows students to undertake a sustained research project on a topic of their choice under expert individual supervision.
Career Opportunities
- Professional Writers
- Editors
- Publishers
- Marketing
- Expert tuition from professional writers, poets, novelists, dramatists, script-writers
- An opportunity to learn about publishing through the design and production of the annual anthology
- An opportunity to read your work at such events as the Hay Festival
- Programme delivered on our beautiful and inspiring campus in Lampeter
