Explore Europe’s ultimate legend, the Arthurian cycle of stories, whose impact on writers, artists and musicians has lasted for over a thousand years and into the present day. Students in this course will investigate the origins, development, and major texts of Arthurian literature, from early Celtic fantasy to high medieval romance, from Renaissance and Victorian poetry to the twentieth-century retellings of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and T.H. White. Students will also hone and increase their analytical reading and composition skills through composition assignments, a research project, and in-class discussions and lectures. Uncover the legend’s roots in ancient Celtic mythology, and learn how the figure of Arthur first emerged in the shadow of the fall of the Roman Empire; travel through the Arthurian world, from Camelot to the Isle of Avalon, from the Forest of Broceliande to Annwfyn the Otherworld; become acquainted with the stories of Lancelot and Guinevere, the Lady of Shalott, Parzival the Grail Knight, the traitor Mordred, Saint George and the dragon, and Olwen the giant’s daughter; discover how the legends of the shape-shifting poet Taliesin and the mad prophet Myrddin developed into the figure of Merlin; and much more!
Note: Students typically take two or more English 4/5/6 courses. They may generally be taken in any order, though some sequences may be better for some purposes (e.g., preparation for a particular AP course). On a transcript, the courses will be listed to differentiate them in the best interest of the student while meeting guidelines of the applicable accrediting and certifying organization(s). Please consult TPS Support with questions about course sequence or transcripts.