Remapping the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages are often taught as if they happened mostly in England and France—Arthurian legends, Romance of the Rose, Marie de France. But much of the period’s great literature and art was produced in the bustling, cosmopolitan cities to the south and east. This course will expand the view to take in the greater Mediterranean, from the mystics of Andalusia to the party crashers of Baghdad. We will read poetry and prose in translations from Arabic, Spanish, Greek, and Italian; stories of love and adventure, crime and prayer. We’ll also look at examples of art and material culture of the time. Two required papers, one 2-3 pages, one 7-10 pages, and short responses along the way.