Studies in Medieval Literature

The poets known as the troubadour flourished in the South of France during the twelfth century; however, their poems had a vibrant afterlife, circulating in a variety of forms, both musical and textual, and shaping the development of subsequent European literatures. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the Occitan language and to the major poets, forms and movements that characterize the troubadour “tradition.” Among the works we will read are lyric poems by Bernart de Ventadorn, Arnaut Daniel and Bertran de Born, the parodic romance Flamenca, and the groundbreaking greammatical treatise of Raimon Vidal. We will also study authors such as Dante and Ausias March who were influenced by the troubadours and in turn played a role in defining their tradition. Special attention will be given to issues of orality and textuality, medieval language theory, manuscript studies and the emergence of regional languages and literatures. Readings will be in English, French and Occitan.