From Manuscript to Mass Market: Medieval Literature and Contemporary Adaptations
- Autumn 2016
Additional Details:
This course seeks to question the popular impression of the Middle Ages as a barbaric, uncultured, anti-intellectual, and uninspired period by exploring the history and literature of the British Isles and Scandinavia. By considering selected texts produced by medieval authors alongside the contemporary adaptations that they inspired, we will seek a better understanding of the medieval cultures that co-existed in the British Isles and the enduring relevance of their literature. As part of their introduction to medieval literature, students will learn learn about manuscript production and visit Special Collections to engage with medieval artefacts. Primary readings will likely include Beowulf, selections from The Mabinogion, an Icelandic saga, along with contemporary adaptations, including works by Neil Gaiman, episodes of Vikings, and a short novel. Assessment will be based, in part, on periodic reading quizzes and reading responses, as well as a take-home midterm written exam and a final course project (6-10 pages). This course fulfills the University of Washington’s writing (‘W’) requirement.