Rethinking the Middle Ages

The course is taught jointly by Lucie Doležalová and Jan Dienstbier and focuses on the interplay of medieval text and image in selected topics. Since the subjects chosen include issues that had been neglected for a long time and have only been discussed in contemporary medieval studies, the course will also offer an insight into the Middle Ages as they are not usually known. Emphasis will be placed on dialogue and discussion – personal opinions and ideas are welcome.

4.10. Introduction

11.10. Classics in the Middle Ages: text (Jerome, Augustine, late antiquity, medieval Ovid)

18.10. Classics in the Middle Ages: image (Ovid, Trojan chronicle, depiction of classical gods)

25.10. Popular Bible: text (Cena Cypriani, mnemonics, biblical poetry, apocrypha)

1.11. NO CLASS – visit the workshop on medieval courtly literature

8. 11. Popular Bible: image (apocrypha – Jesus Childhood, Passion and its visual mnemonic)

15.11. Parody and satire: image (drama and images, fools, Marcolf, Neithard)

22.11. Parody and satire: text (parodic passions, drama)

29.11. Love: text (Abelard and Héloise, love letters)

6.12. Love: image (love symbolics, power of women, unequal couples and other social critics)

13.12. Preaching: text (exempla, Legenda aurea, St. Nobody)

20.12. Preaching: image (exegesis and visual arts, biblical typology, Legenda aurea)

3.1. Heretics and Hussites: text (martyrdom of Hus, polemics)

10.1. Heretics and Hussites: image (martyrdom of Hus, criticism of images, Jena codex)

16.1. 10:30-12:00 Final test

Course requirements:

- Active participation (max 3 absences)

- Homeworks (usually reading for the following class)

- Final Test