Medieval German literature
Walter Veit
8 points
* 2 hours per week
* First/Second semester
*
Clayton
Objectives On successful completion of the course students should have obtained an advanced knowledge of Middle High German and become familiar with a representative selection of epic and lyrical poetry and prose from the 10th to the 14th centuries, their main themes and its critical assessment today. They should also have achieved a comprehensive understanding of the political, social and cultural context and its continuity in present day Germany and Europe.
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 Straßburg and Meister Eckhart.
Assessment Written (5000 words): 70%
* Examination (1 hour): 30%
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