Department of French and Italian

Prerequisite: FRIT-F 300

This course serves as a general introduction to the cultural history of medieval France (800-1500). We will move thematically, rather than chronologically, focusing each week on different aspects of social, political, philosophical, literary, artistic, and religious life in medieval France. Topics include feudalism, the crusades, pilgrimage and travel, medieval manuscripts, gothic cathedrals, and the origins of the French language. We will also investigate ways in which the Middle Ages is represented (or misrepresented) in today’s popular culture.

Some class meetings will be devoted to the detailed discussion of readings and elaboration of key concepts; other class meetings will be devoted to labs. Class discussions focus on specific topics and aim to illuminate the methods of and approaches to the study of the Middle Ages. Lab days provide students hands-on and collaborative experience with medieval objects and with historical tools, for example: writing with medieval quill pens and reading medieval maps. A reading and response assignments each week provides an essential foundation for both the discussion and the lab components of the course. All classwork, class discussion, and written work will be conducted in French.

COLL (CASE) A&H Breadth of Inquiry credit

COLL (CASE) Culture Studies: Global Civ & Culture

• A&H
• What are CASE requirements?