Studies in Medieval Literature: (324-CN-15)
Topic
Love and Marriage in the Middl
Instructors
Raymond E Gleason
Ray Gleason has been teaching medieval literature at Northwestern since 1994. He received his Ph.D. from Northwestern in Medieval Literature and Semiotics in 1997 and an MA in English in 1989 from the Northwestern MAE program. A veteran of adult higher education, Gleason completed his dissertation while working in the telecommunications industry; his MA and BA while a serving officer in the US Army. Gleason is a writer, having published "A Grunt Speaks: A Devil’s Dictionary Of Vietnam Infantry Terms" and "The Violent Season," both by UP Books, Indianapolis. His historical fcition series, the Gaius Marius Chronicle, has published three novels with Morgan James Fiction, New York: "The Gabinian Affair," "The Helvetian Affair," and "The Swabian Affair."
Meeting Info
Wieboldt Hall 512: Wed 6:15PM - 9:15PM
Overview of class
The belief that the depiction of "courtly love," or fin'amour, in medieval courtly narratives promoted immoral and adulterous conduct not only was common among modern readers, but also was accepted by many in the medieval audience. However, close examination of some of the "courtly lovers" -- Tristan and Iseult, for example -- suggests that the result of their amorous acts subverts the acceptance of fin'amour as a mode of conduct worthy of emulation or of adulation. In fact, Chretien's Eric and Énide seems to celebrate married love despite Andreas' commandment that "true love cannot exist in marriage." This course examines depictions of "love and marriage" in the courtly narrative with special attention to medieval depictions of women and women's issues that inform the love and marriage motifs. There are no language prerequisites. All readings will be in modern English texts.
Registration Requirements
Meets the pre-1830 literature requirement for English Writing majors.
Students should have fulfilled the SPS writing requirement or completed equivalent writing courses prior to enrolling. Previous literature course strongly recommended. Proficiency in writing essays based on research highly recommended.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, you will be able to:
-Define common characteristics of medieval courtly narrative
-Describe the common motifs of medieval courtly narrative
-Understand social beliefs and attitudes concerning the role of women in courtly society
-Describe how these concepts inform literary depictions of marriage and relations between the genders.
-Read the texts critically and in depth, not accepting literal expression for meaning
-Express clearly and effectively opinions on literary topics orally and in writing
-Write an expository paper on literary topics related to medieval romance
Teaching Method
Research
Readings
Class participation
Research project: for paper
Writing assignments
Listening exercises
Discussion
Evaluation Method
Paper, final
Attendance
Class participation
Class Materials (Required)
Texts will be available in Canvas.