Studies in Medieval Literature (324-0-20)
Topic
The Seven Deadly Sins
Instructors
Susan E Phillips
Meeting Info
University Hall 118: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
What are the Seven Deadly Sins, how did they come into being, and how do can we make sense of the role they continue to play the 21st century popular imagination? What is the nature of moral and ethical transgression: is sin a disposition, a thought, an action, or an external force? And how does one make amends for such transgression? Over the course of the quarter, we will attempt to answer these questions by exploring the shifting representations of sin, secrets and confession that pervade late medieval literature. Analyzing the texts of preachers and poets alike, we will investigate the ways in which medieval writers adapted their depictions of sin to address the major social and political issues of their day, highlighting certain sins while hiding others as the moment required. Along with sin, we will examine the practice of confession in its historical and literary contexts, discovering how priests, poets, and playwrights exploited and transformed this pastoral tool for narrative and social ends. While giving students with a background in confessional practice and the discourse of Seven Deadly Sins, this course will also provide an introduction to some of the major works of the late Middle Ages: Dante's Purgatory, Langland's Piers Plowman, and Everyman. We will also explore how David Fincher's 1995 film, Se7en reworks these medieval concepts for a contemporary audience.
Teaching Method
Discussion and some lecture.
Evaluation Method
Class attendance and participation are required; two papers, short assignments and an oral presentation.
Class Materials (Required)
Norris Center Book Store. [Dante, The Divine Comedy, Vol. II: Purgatory. ISBN 978-0140444421 (approximate cost: $16); other readings will be available on Canvas].
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area