New Chaucer Studies: Pedagogy and Profession

This essay considers how open educational resources (OER), particularly open textbooks, can address barriers of cost, representation, and access in teaching medieval literature. Beginning with the adaptation of existing free digital materials, the author outlines the benefits and challenges of curating resources that emphasize disability studies and diverse cultural perspectives. The discussion then turns to the creation of original open textbooks, such as Heritages of Change, which integrate Universal Design for Learning principles and cultural heritage frameworks into first-year writing and literature courses. These initiatives expand the accessibility of medieval content by eliminating financial burdens, embedding multiple perspectives, and offering flexible pedagogical approaches. The essay argues that the labor of developing OER is offset by the ability to provide equitable, inclusive, and up-to-date course materials. Ultimately, open textbooks not only increase student access to medieval studies but also foster connections between the past and present through inclusive and socially responsive teaching practices.