ABSTRACT
Medieval English literature provides an interesting case for instructors interested in teaching spatial literary studies. Literature from this time period demonstrates cultural, linguistic, and political diversity that creates dynamic conversations about the various contributing factors to the literature. This chapter presents the ways in which borderland theory could benefit a student's study of medieval literature. It provides several examples of how to apply this theoretical approach in the classroom. There are many ways to read medieval literature through borderland theory, as well as several ways the literature itself presents borderland identities. The two approaches that author focuses on are literature from physical borderlands; and texts and traditions that grapple with the concepts of identity, thus revealing aspects of borderland identity. While it is often risky to utilize modern theoretical approaches to older literature, the use of borderland theory on medieval literature from the British Isles can elucidate the texts for those who are often intimidated by them.
