Spring 2009

FR 355 • LOVE AND SEXUALITY IN MEDIEVAL LITERATURE

Course Description

Many institutions and discourses that shape our understanding and experience of sexuality today were formed during the Middle Ages. This course looks at a variety of literary works that reflect medieval conceptions of sex, love and sexual difference. Some themes considered include: marriage, sodomy, clerical sexuality, virginity, sexual violence, and female sexuality. A wide range of literary genres will be represented including: lyric poetry, sirventes, pastourelles, fabliaux, romance, bestiaries, lais, and saints' lives.

Grading Policy

short papers: 30% final paper: 30% presentation: 20% class participation: 20%

Texts

Le Roman de Renart Fabliaux érotiques Tristan et Yseut Traité de l'amour courtois (André Chapelain) Erec et Enide (or another from Chrétien) Photocopy packet

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