3rd Year

Medieval Literature

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Medieval literature examines three seminal works that are widely seen as the foundation of modern literature. Dante's "The Divine Comedy" leads the exploration, offering a profound allegorical journey through spiritual realms, rich in symbolism and philosophical inquiry. Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" follows, presenting a vibrant tapestry of medieval society through diverse, storytelling pilgrims, each reflecting different facets of human nature with humor and social critique. The course concludes with Boccaccio's "Decameron" a poignant reflection on human resilience and adaptability amidst the Black Death. These texts collectively serve as a literary laboratory, where students delve into themes of morality, love, and the human quest for meaning. This course not only highlights the historical and literary significance of these works but also their timeless insights into the complexities and enduring aspects of the human condition.

Featured Interviews

Ardis Butterfield - Yale University
Carissa Harris - Temple University
Cord Whitaker - Wellesley College
David Wallace - University of Pennsylvania
Joseph Luzzi - Bard College
Kelly Robertson - University of Maryland
Kenneth Clarke - University of York, UK
Lawrence Warner - King's College London, UK
Riccardo Strobino - Tufts University
Ronald Herzman - State University of New York Geneseo
Giovanni Maccari - Independent Scholar, Italy

Course Readings

Dante: The Divine Comedy
Chaucer: Canterbury Tales
Boccaccio: Decameron

Course Design

Joseph Luzzi, Bard College

Preview

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