Humanities Courses, Undergraduate Programs at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

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English literature courses carry humanities credit. 

ENGLISH 324-CN : Studies in Medieval Literature: Love and Marriage in the Middle Ages

Description

The belief that the depiction of "courtly love," or fin'amour, in medieval courtly narratives promoted immoral and adulterous conduct not only was common among modern readers, but also was accepted by many in the medieval audience. However, close examination of some of the "courtly lovers" -- Tristan and Iseult, for example -- suggests that the result of their amorous acts subverts the acceptance of fin'amour as a mode of conduct worthy of emulation or of adulation. In fact, Chretien's Eric and Énide seems to celebrate married love despite Andreas' commandment that "true love cannot exist in marriage." This course examines depictions of "love and marriage" in the courtly narrative with special attention to medieval depictions of women and women's issues that inform the love and marriage motifs. There are no language prerequisites. All readings will be in modern English texts.

Previous literature course strongly recommended. Students should have fulfilled the SPS writing requirement or completed equivalent writing courses prior to enrolling.

Meets the pre-1830 literature/culture requirement for English Writing or Humanities majors.