King Arthur: History and Legend

Literature

Course Description

When it comes to King Arthur, it is not easy to disentangle myth from reality.  In this course, we will be sorting through the record and indicating where uncertainty exists and where previously held theories have been debunked by more recent research. Accounts of the way the legend evolved in different geographical regions will be discussed. We will briefly explore elemental themes of kingship: courage, virtue, loyalty, romantic love, and devotion to God. We will trace how the myth of King Arthur developed across time, clarifying many misunderstood aspects of the narrative, such as the origins of the Round Table and the figure of Merlin, the illicit love between Lancelot and Guinevere, and the varied manifestations of the magical Holy Grail. As we trace Arthur’s evolution and that of his principal knights, we will ask what underlies the appeal of this figure whose consistent reappearance in Western culture has realized the medieval prophecy that he would be rex quondam et futurus: the once and future king.

Books to Purchase (will be available at Argo Bookshop during the weeks prior to the course beginning):

    • King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table, Roger Lancelyn Green

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 14 students.

NEW PAYMENT POLICY: Participants must pay the course fees in order to be considered registered for the course. 

For fully registered courses, a waiting list will be created. Should vacancies develop, those on the waiting list will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that we do not allow participants to audit courses for free.

 

Course Details

Location: Zoom

First Session: Tuesday 17 January 2023

Course Length: weeks, Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Discussion Team: Paul Billette, Marilyn Kaplow, Heather Stephens 

Degree Credit: 1.5 credits

Course Fee: 

$120.00 (standard tuition)
$80.00 (promotion for new students)

Administrative Fee:

$25.00


Total:

$145.00 (standard tuition)
$105.00 (promotion for new students)


For 6-week courses, fees are refundable in full before the first session. If the participant withdraws after the first course, they will be charged a $50 fee. There is no refund after the second course has passed. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.

Fill the following form to register

Questions? Stuck? Give us a call at (514) 935-9585
or email us at info@thomasmore.qc.ca