Course Description
Reading and analysis of representative lyric and epic texts from the medieval German "Blütezeit" (1150-1250). Explores the origins and development of German/European secular society in the courtly ideals of love and romance, knighthood and femininity, war and redemption. Taught in German.
Athena Title
German Courtly Literature
Prerequisite
GRMN 3010 or GRMN 3015
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Understanding of historical, political, and sociological context of literature in medieval Germany. Knowledge of primary literary genres (lyric, epic, romance) and their respective poetological character. Builds interpretive ability and skill in writing persuasive essays.
Topical Outline
Courtliness as social system Courtly love vs. the realities of medieval gender relations Ethics of violence in heroic epic and courtly romance Quest and developmental biography in Arthurian romance
Syllabus