English 189-2 - Fall, 2013

Seminar in Literary Studies

Topic: The Lais of Marie de France (in translation)

Class Information

Instructor: Waters, Claire
CRN: 53548
Time: TR 10:30-11:50
Location: 248 Voorhies

Description

In this course we will read one of the most famous, and most enjoyable, female-authored texts of the Middle Ages. The Lais explore loyalty and betrayal, the intersection of the human world and the otherworld, the nature of communication, knightly identity, and love relationships (doomed and otherwise). We will use a facing-page translation; no familiarity with French is required but we will practice working back and forth between the French and English texts to get a fuller sense of key terms and Marie’s use of language. Class will be discussion based, and students will be encouraged to bring their own interests and focuses to bear on the Lais, while also gaining some familiarity with major critical approaches.


Grading

40%: Two 5-page papers (20% each)
20%: Two short close-reading papers (10% each)
10%: In-class presentation
20%: Discussion and discussion questions
10%: Final exam

Texts

A facing-page translation and a set of critical readings, both available from Davis Copy Shop on 3rd St.