Medieval Monsters
CHUM 309
Fall 2026
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
CJST 309, ENGL 329 |
In this course we will examine forms and modes of the monstrous in medieval literature. We will focus on how monstrosity emerges at the intersection of cultures, religions, races, languages, genders, and the nebulous space/time between the living and the dead. Some of our monstrous themes will be pollution, revenants, exoticism, translation, and extreme violence. Written by Christians, Muslims, and Jews in the 11th-14th centuries, texts will include romances, saints' lives, apocalypses, chronicles, and travelogues. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CHUM |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (English)(Jewish & Israel Studies Minor)(Medieval Studies Minor)(Medieval Studies) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
THE LIFE OF CHRISTINA THE ASTONISHING;
Thomas of Monmouth, THE LIFE OF WILLIAM OF NORWICH (selections);
Ephraim of Bonn, THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE;
THE SAGA OF THE VOLSUNGS;
THE SONG OF ROLAND;
SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT;
PEARL;
THE KING OF TARS;
RICHARD THE LIONHEART (selections);
Gerald of Wales, THE HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHY OF IRELAND;
THE TRAVELS OF SIR JOHN MANDEVILLE;
Ahmad Ibn Fadlan, THE LAND OF DARKNESS;
William of Rubruck, MISSION TO THE MONGOLS.
In addition, we will read some critical texts about medieval monster theory
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Examinations and Assignments:
Moodle forum posts; Final paper |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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| Instructor(s): Nisse,Ruth Times: ..T.R.. 01:20PM-02:40PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 5 | JR major: 5 | | |
| Seats Available: 15 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 5 | FR: X |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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