Aims

To give the students an overview of Medieval Latin literature and underline its place in European cultural history.

Main themes

The major moments of Medieval literature, emphasizing the styles and their specificity: the Ancient origin of certain styles and the metamorphosis these underwent with the advent of Christianity. The relationship this literature bears to previous literature in Latin. Literary creations: human beings, works, areas. The plurality and the extension of the very concept of literature in this period: the problem of encyclopedic classification, of bestiary fables, of lapidaries, of sermons, of geography, etc.
Examine how this body of Medieval literature influenced the vernacular literatures of the time and beyond. The repercussions this literature had on certain themes and works of European literature.

Content and teaching methods

The major moments of Medieval literature, emphasizing the styles and their specificity: the Ancient origin of certain styles and the metamorphosis these underwent with the advent of Christianity. The relationship this literature bears to previous literature in Latin. Literary creations: human beings, works, areas. The plurality and the extension of the very concept of literature in this period: the problem of encyclopedic classification, of bestiary fables, of lapidaries, of sermons, of geography, etc.
Examine how this body of Medieval literature influenced the vernacular literatures of the time and beyond. The repercussions this literature had on certain themes and works of European literature.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisite : none.

Other credits in programs