Cultural Studies: Literature, Art, and History of the French Middle Ages

3 units

An exploration of a variety of cultural icons, objects, myths, and traditions that define the French experience throughout the centuries. In France, the Middle Ages is a period of intense artistic and literary creation despite an often brutal history. Feudal struggles, the Hundred Years' War, the Crusades, frequent epidemics, and famines add a tragic cast to daily life. Yet this period witnesses the birth of literature written in French ( Chansons de Geste, courtly romances and poetry, theater), a tradition rich with knights and damsels in distress, stories of love and conquest. Cities are built, as are castles and cathedrals. Botanical gardens are planted. Elaborate wall tapestries and paintings begin to decorate the homes of lords and churches. France discovers the art of the book in the form of illuminated manuscripts. Men and women develop a taste for clothing and jewelry. The course will explore this fascinating history by examining celebrated examples of the period's literature and art. It will include a visit to the medieval collection of the St. Louis Art Museum and the film Visiteurs du Soir. Prof. de Courcelles's professional commitments in Europe will require her to be absent for several weeks during the semester. During the weeks without scheduled classes students will complete an independent project exploring one aspect of the course. In addition there will be short papers and/or exams.