Introduction to Geoffrey Chaucer and Medieval English Literature

Geoffrey Chaucer is widely celebrated as the father of English literature, yet understanding his work requires navigating both his complex historical era and the mystery surrounding his life. This text-based course offers an accessible entry point into the world of fourteenth-century England, helping you read and appreciate the foundations of English poetry. You will explore the social structures, linguistic shifts, and historical realities that shaped his writing. By the end of this course, you will have a clear understanding of Chaucer's major literary contributions, the socio-political dynamics of his age, and how modern scholars reconstruct his biography from historical records. What you'll learn: Understand the foundational historical events of the Age of Chaucer, including social upheavals and court life; Explore the documented facts versus the scholarly assumptions about Chaucer's personal and professional life; Analyze the structure, themes, and linguistic innovation of major works like the Canterbury Tales; Examine the transition from Middle English to modern literary traditions; Apply literary analysis techniques to fourteenth-century poetic structures. The course begins with essential terminology and the historical backdrop of the Middle Ages before moving into a closer reading of Chaucer's life and his most influential texts. This course is designed for absolute beginners, literature enthusiasts, and students seeking a solid foundation in medieval English poetry, with no prior knowledge of Middle English required. Begin your journey into the rich storytelling of the medieval world today.