Minor in Medieval Studies - Parallel Universes (Medieval Literature -- Advanced) FREN 4300   Parallel Universes (Medieval Literature -- Advanced)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
In-depth study of Medieval French narrative literature (12th – 15th centuries) through the motif of the “other world”, whereby the protagonists gain access to a hidden, parallel world. Various examples and literary genres will be considered: lays (Faerie, the land of Cocaigne, etc.), Arthurian romance (the forest of Brocéliande, the island of Avalon, etc.), Alexandrian romance (the terrestrial Paradise, the enclosed land of Gog and Magog, “India” and “Ethiopia”, etc.), real and imaginary travel narratives (Saint Brendan’s Island, Cipangu [Japan], etc.), visions of the afterlife (Heaven, Hell, Purgatoire de Saint Patrice, etc.) or the Apocalypse. Texts will be studied in bilingual editions (Old or Middle French / Modern French), with occasional unilingual excerpts.
FORMAT: Seminar
PREREQUISITES: 3000-level French literature course
EXCLUSIONS: FREN 3300.03