* GER 321
/ GSS 321
/ MED 321
- Spring 2011-2012
(LA)
Topics in German Medieval Literature - Before Gender: Cross-Dressing and Sex in Medieval Romance
A young Arthurian knight loses honor because he enjoys having sex with his wife. The Grail King is wounded near fatally in the genitals while trying to win the "wrong" woman. Young kings dress up and act like women in order to woo their prospective brides. This course will explore what it meant to be men and women in love (with each other or with God) in some of the most spectacular literary works of the German Middle Ages. The larger context for our discussion will be a more nuanced understanding of the history of sexuality. Readings and discussion primarily in modern German, some readings and discussion in English.
Sample reading list:
Michel Foucault,
History of Sexuality
Hartmann von Aue,
Erec
Wolfram von Eschenbach,
Parzival
Ulrich von Liechtenstein,
Frauendienst
Mechthild von Magdeburg,
Das fliessende Licht der Gottheit
Gottfried von Strassburg,
Tristan
Reading/Writing assignments:
Five response papers (2 pages each, in German); one presentation; and a final paper (10 pages, in English).
Requirements/Grading:
Paper in lieu of Final - 40%
Papers - 30%
Oral Presentation(s) - 10%
Precept Participation - 20%
Schedule/Classroom assignment:
-
Class number: 42233
Section: S01
Time:
1:30 pm
-
2:50 pm
Days:
T
Th
Building-Room:
East Pyne Building
215
Enrolled/Limit:
5/
25