Course : Medieval Literature

Let's Get Medieval!

Welcome to the Dark Ages—quite a colorful time, actually, which we will attempt to shed light to in this introductory seminar! The aim of this course is to approach the European Middle Ages through a number of key English texts of the early, middle, and late period, in modern English translation. We will focus on both the formal aesthetic particularities of medieval literature, as well as its thematic idiosyncrasies, so foreign to us albeit so influential to the literary and cultural ages that followed since: the interplay between a strict religious worldview and a carnivalesque secularism; the construction of the socio-philosophical codes of fatalism and chivalry; the complex yet misunderstood role of women; and the formation of cultural idols. Through this brief but important selection of must-know texts, we will hopefully dispel common misconceptions about the Middle Ages while learning the truth behind them. Readings will be long, and often hard to identify with contextually; but the world they reveal is a fascinating one, and certainly worth knowing! At the end of the semester, students will be asked to evaluate this course via anonymous electronic questionnaires.

Although the instructor will provide introductory and analytical lectures for each item, your strong participation is indispensable for the implementation and assimilation of this course. Should any problems arise during the semester, please see the instructor as early as possible.