GRN4265

German medieval language and literature

(ART)

W Veit

12 points + 3 hours per week + First semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: Advanced German Studies 2, part 2 or above; or equivalent (to be determined after consultation with subject coordinator)

Synopsis: Through translation and detailed analysis of a number of central lyrical, epic and mystical texts, essential elements of German medieval culture between 800 and 1500 will be studied, such as the central role of feudalism in economic and political development; the role of the Church and chivalry in the process of civilisation of medieval man and woman; the importance of religion and philosophy in, and the influence of Jewish and Arabic culture on the rise of universities as centres of learning. Emphasis is placed on the debate about fundamental human values in the literature, art and architecture of the Hohenstauffen period as one of the peaks of human achievement in European culture.

Assessment: Essay (4500 words, either written in German or dealing extensively with sources in medieval German): 50% + Two class papers (750 words each): 30% + Three translations (500 words each): 20%