Intersectional Identities in Medieval France

3 units

Were medieval French identities intersectional? What cultural evidence is there -- in literature, theatrical performance, the visual arts, and the artifacts of everyday life -- for such identity categories as race, sexuality, or disability? In this course, we will investigate medieval French imaginaries of the racialized, gendered, classed, and abled/disabled body, seeking to do the following: (1) understand the systems of power and privilege that undergirded medieval identities; (2) critique the contemporary perception of medieval Europe as an all-white, male-dominated space; and (3) explore how contemporary critical identity studies can deepen our comprehension of medieval culture and how medieval materials can offer new insights into contemporary identity formations. This course will be taught in English, with a weekly discussion section in French for undergraduates enrolling for French credit. Prerequisite: French 325, French 326, Thinking-It-Through, or In-Depth.