Topic:  Author, Audience, Genre

Three credit hour course; meets 8:00-8:50 a.m., MWF in BH 141.

Medieval and early modern literature is marked by major sociological
changes, with respect both to the identity of writers and to the
composition of groups for which literature is produced. Wolfram and
Hartmann were knights, Walther perhaps of a chivalric family but a
professional minstrel, Sebastian Brandt a lawyer, and Martin Luther an
Augustinian monk (until he left the order). They wrote either for medieval
courts, the educated, or the masses (through the mediation of the
literate). Literary genres evolved, vanished, and were formed in sympathy
with historical change.

The course will examine a selection of literary works from the Middle
Ages and the early modern period with respect to these crucial variables.
Readings to be studied will be selected in cognizance of the reading list
for the M.A. examination, Literature I, but will not be co-extensive with
it. They include: the «HILDEBRANTSLIED», plays by Hrotsvit von
Gandersheim, DER ARME HEINRICH (Hartmann von Aue), HELMBRECHT, lyrics by
Walther von der Vogelweide and other court singers, DER ACKERMANN AUS
BÖHMEN (Johannes von Saaz), selections from Mechthild von Magdeburg
and Sebastian Brandt and from the HISTORIA VON D. JOHANN FAUSTEN.

During the first week of the course, the class will decide what attention
should be given to the three major medieval narratives (NIBELUNGENLIED,
TRISTAN, PARZIVAL), and to the question of a possible reading period at
the end of the course to permit students to read further in certain areas
of particular interest.

Requirements and grading: there will be a midterm test (25% of the course
grade) and a final exam (40%); active participation in class will be
graded for the remaining 35%. No written reports or papers. Knowledge of
Middle High German not required.

Texts:
Hartman von Aue, DER ARME HEINRICH
Johannes von Tepl, DER ACKERMANN AUS BÖHMEN
Wernher der Gartenaere, MEIER HELMBRECHT