PS-Medieval English Literatures: Introduction to Medievalism
Peter Löffelbein
Comments
Historical novels, fantasy literature, TV productions and role-playing games – they all draw on and (re-)imagine medieval realities, tropes and narratives. More often than not, the fascination for the Middle Ages stems from their perceived difference to the modern world: As modernity’s Other they may appear as a Dark Age of cruelty, ignorance and superstition – or, in contrast, might represent a shining, more ‘original’ or ‘authentic’ way of life.
This course examines ideas of the Middle Ages and the role they have been playing in the cultural imagination of the modern (Western) world. Together, we shall explore various forms of medievalism – the (re-)construction of what is, assumedly, medieval – and discuss its occurrence in literary texts, historical discourse and other forms of cultural expression such as film productions and computer games.
The course introduces the concept of medievalism, familiarises the students with its relevance in current debates (e.g. on resurgent nationalisms, in postcolonial discourse and in queer studies) and enables them to critically analyse recurring tropes and functions of (re )imaginations of the medieval in contemporary contexts.
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16 Class schedule
Regular appointments