GRN4265

German Medieval Language and Literature ( 12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Helmut Heinze

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

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.

Objectives: On successful completion of the course, students will have extended their knowledge of modern German into its medieval antecedent and handle confidently the German language of the High Middle Ages (1050 to 1300). Guided by detailed studies of a number of central texts, they will have come to know essential elements of German medieval culture between 800 and 1500, 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. Supported by significant contemporary scholarly writings, they will learn to understand and critically assess the medieval bases of western civilisation and the presence of the Middle Ages in the intellectual and political culture of Germany and Europe of today. Further, students will have gained paradigmatic experience in the research of the historical process of civilisation, reflect on its present state, and learn to see their own culture in the context of human development.

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%

Contact Hours: 3 hours (3 x seminars) per week

Prerequisites: Advanced German Studies 2, part 2 or above; or equivalent