1:00-2:15P     TR     BH335


Topic: Medieval Callings: Sinner, Saint, Serf, and other
Representative Lives

Honor students only or permission of instructor
Meets with MEST M200
Above section COAS intensive writing section and also requires
registration in COAS W333

This course examines medieval society through the lens of the
vocations and pursuits of its members.  By focusing on individual case
studies, as revealed by primary sources, it illuminates larger social
constructs and ideologies. Some of these groups represent a
cross-section of the social estates and classes as, for example, the
ale-wife, the parish priest, the knight, the prostitute or the
intellectual.  But other vocations, such as the saint or the
sorceress, can transcend society's class divisions, instead
articulating its most cherished hopes and desperate fears.  This is an
intensive writing course, requiring 4 short (ca. 4-5 pp.) papers.  It
also necessitates active seminar participation, including oral
presentations.  Reserved for Honor students or by permission of
instructor.