The Middle Ages & Renaissance (310-0-20)

Topic

Making Love in the Middle Ages

Instructors

Christopher John Davis
847/467-5637
1860 Campus Drive Crowe Hall #2-140

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course explores the evolution of love as a central theme in French literature during the Middle Ages. The period in question saw major transformations in almost every aspect of human life, from law and government to technology, science and the arts. Despite these changes, love remained a central preoccupation of writers in every literary genre. Why? We will approach the texts on our reading list not only as records of the past, but as points of contact, which allow us to confront the role of literary traditions in addressing evolving notions of individuality, family, sexuality and gender. How did social and historical changes influence the representation of emotion and desire? How might love as a literary theme comment on the changing status of the individual and his or her role in society.

Class Attributes

Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must have completed FRENCH 271-0, FRENCH 272-0, or FRENCH 273-0. Other students may register with instructor permission.