HUM 295-04 - Special Topic: France and England: Shared Traditions or Cultural Enemies?

4 credits (Spring)

Cross-listed as: ENG 295-02. To what degree do the cultural expressions of France and England derive from shared ideas or experience? How can certain “national” figures-like King Arthur-be part of the cultural landscape of both places? By looking at cultural life from the Norman Conquest to the early 17th century, this course will analyze the ways that language and history unite and divide these two neighbors during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Topics and figures to be studied may include: the “origin” of national literature, the Arthurian Tradition, Joan of Arc (French witch or English victim?), and the rise of humanism. Readings include works by Chretien de Troyes, Marie de France, Chaucer, Rabelais, Montaigne, and Shakespeare. Students who have studied French may read some of the works in the original.

Prerequisite: ENG 120 or FRN 222.
Note: Plus-2 option available.
Instructor: Arner, Harrison