French 450 - Women and the Medieval French Literary Tradition

Institution:

Washington University in St Louis

Subject:

Description:

The Middle Ages constitute a beginning-a period when new languages and literatures came into being, along with Romanesque book-illumination and stained glass, Gothic cathedrals, Gregorian chant, Troubadour song, Crusades for the Holy Land, and quests for the Holy Grail. Medieval French Literature is therefore a new literature, defining itself against antique models and its own rich multilingual, highly visual, and oral culture. This course provides an overview of this diverse and fascinating French literary tradition while focusing on the status of women in the literary production of the Middle Ages. Particular attention is given to women's role in the creation of texts as authors and patrons. We also examine how gender roles are constructed and challenged through the literary representation of female characters. Readings include examples from major genres: Marie de France's Lais, Chrétien de Troyes's Lancelot, Rutebeuf's Vie de Sainte Elysabel, the anonymous Aucassin et Nicolette, as well as Fabliaux, poetry of the Trouvères and Trobairitz, excerpts of the Roman de la Rose, and works by Christine de Pizan. All readings and discussions are in modern French. Prerequisites: French 325 and French 326 or one of these courses and the equivalent Washington University transfer literature course from Toulouse or Paris. One-hour preceptorial for required for undergraduates.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wustl.edu

Phone Number:

(314) 935-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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