Dr. Natalie Grinnell

Reeves Family Professor in Humanities

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Humanities 101E:  Legends of Camelot

When and where this course meets:

8:30-9:20 am MWF, Main 007

Course Description

Humanities 101 is designed to engage students during their first semester in small-group seminars in humanistic inquiry, with special attention given to value questions and issues. The course includes substantial reading and group discussion and considerable work on English composition skills.

Section Description

Stories of King Arthur and his knights have been written and rewritten for a thousand years.  This course will explore the elements of Arthurian legend that have made it a compelling and adaptable set of stories in widely varied times, places and genres.  Specific themes for the course will include the nature of power, the pursuit of erotic love, and the value of loyalty and friendship.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes

Students will learn to

  • think critically about subjects of humanistic inquiry
  • read actively and analytically
  • argue persuasively and coherently
  • access, evaluate, and integrate information
  • write focused, well-organized, and error-free papers which integrate content relevant to the topic and employ clear, direct, concise diction
  • reflect on their writing and use that reflection to critique their own writing and the writing of others

Required Textbooks

  • Le Morte Darthur, ISBN 9780199537341
  • The Once and Future King, ISBN 9780441627400
  • The Wicked Day, ISBN 9780060548285
  • King in Time, ISBN 9781507652459
  • The Transition to College Writing, 2nd ed. by Hjortshoj, ISBN 9780312440824

Textbooks are available in the Wofford College Bookstore (see “Note on Textbooks” at right); additional readings may appear on the course Moodle page

Course Requirements

  1. Read everything assigned, on time and with care and attention.
  2. Participate fully in class discussion
  3. Three (3) short essays with revisions and appropriate documentation and citation
  4. Two individual conferences with your professor
  5. Regular quizzes and occasional exercises

Grading Breakdown

  • Essay 1: 20%
  • Essay 2: 25%
  • Essay 3: 35%
  • Other: 20%

Class Weblinks

Accessiblity Statement

Wofford College provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to make  learning experiences accessible. Students are welcome to discuss sensitive topics, including disability-related concerns, with me, which will be kept confidential. However, unlike in high school, college students need to self-disclose their disability in order to receive specific accommodations.  For details, please refer to the Wofford College Wellness Center.