Studies in Medieval Literature (324-0-20)
Topic
Medieval Women Writers
Instructors
Barbara Jane Newman
847/491-5679
University Hall 215
Meeting Info
University Hall 218: Mon, Wed, Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM
Overview of class
For most of the twentieth century, scholars thought there were virtually no medieval women writers. "Everyone knew" that women couldn't read and the Church didn't allow them to write. But the feminist revolution changed all that, as dozens of women writers were rediscovered, edited, and translated. Yet even today, some of the most widely read medieval women still pose challenges. In this class we will read four women writers in depth, giving us time to delve into the critical literature and discuss the issues that vex their place in the canon. In the twelfth century, the popular romance poet Marie de France (who wrote in French but lived in England) proudly signed her work—because she feared, with good reason, that "some cleric" or learned man would claim credit for it. Late medieval England's most important women writers, Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe (who knew each other), were long consigned to a religious ghetto. Kempe in addition was pathologized as a hysterical female. Finally, the prolific French writer Christine de Pizan became the first professional author in Europe—that is, the first of either sex to support herself and her family solely by writing. She was translated into English in the early modern period. Despite her explicit feminism, however, her signed works were often ascribed not to her, but to their male translators. This course will have a triple focus on the texts themselves, the difficulties faced by medieval women writers in their time, and their post-medieval reception.
Teaching Method
Mostly discussion, a few lectures.
Evaluation Method
Regular attendance and participation; three 5-7 page papers, at least one of which will be a creative option.
Class Materials (Required)
Available at Norris or online, but you must buy only these editions and translations. There may also be a course packet at Quartet.
The Lais of Marie de France, ed. and trans. Claire Waters (Broadview, 2018) - ISBN 9781554810826
Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love, trans. Elizabeth Spearing (Penguin, 1998) - ISBN 9780140446739
The Book of Margery Kempe, ed. and trans. Lynn Staley (Norton Critical Edition, 2001) - ISBN 9780393976397
Selected Writings of Christine de Pizan, ed. Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski, trans. Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski and Kevin Brownlee (Norton Critical Edition, 1997) - ISBN 9780393970104
Christine de Pizan, The Book of the City of Ladies, trans. E. J. Richards (Persea, 1998) - ISBN 9780892552306
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area