French 4581 - Sacrifice and Service: Masculinity 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-along with Gothic cathedrals, Troubadour song, Romanesque art, Crusades for the Holy Land, and quests for the Holy Grail-come into being. By focusing on the notion of service, we study how medieval society establishes a hierarchy of power that encompasses religious, feudal, and courtly relationships. Particular attention is given to the construction and testing of gender roles. What are men and women asked to sacrifice? Whom and what are they supposed to serve? How do the concepts of honor and heroism motivate the service of knights and heroines to their king and God? Texts include: La Chanson de Roland, La Quete du Saint-Graal, La Vie de Saint Alexis, Le Jeu d'Adam, Béroul's and Thomas's versions of Le Roman de Tristan, Chrétien de Troyes' Le Chevalier au Lion ou Yvain, Rutebeuf's Miracle de Théophile, and Christine de Pizan's famous poem on Jeanne d'Arc. All readings 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

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.