Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis The subject aims to bring students to a high level of linguistic and cultural competence in the medieval period (800 - 1400) in German speaking countries. After surveying current trends in scholarship, it will concentrate on the position and function of literature in the process of civilisation in medieval society, particularly its presentation of and critical stance toward political issues (eg the unity of Europe, the relationship between a central imperial authority and regional/national interests, the conflict between state and church), religious doctrine, education, and social and economic developments. Students will examine mainly texts by Walther von der Vogelweide, Hartmann von Aue, Wolfram von Eschenbach, Gottfried von Strasburg and Meister Eckhart.
Assessment Written (4000 words): 70% + Examination (1 hour): 30%