https://at-ceu.studyguide.timeedit.net/modules/HISU5522?type=COREThe present course aims to offer an introduction to the essential conceptual framework and several critical approaches developed in modern times in order to enable us to read, interpret, and enjoy literary texts produced and circulated throughout most of the Middle Ages (i.e., from ca. 500 to ca. 1300 CE). This will be done by means of theoretical surveys of key concepts of critical theory and of influential modern strategies of interpretation matched all throughout the course by concrete examples of how this conceptual framework and the various critical approaches that use it can be applied in practice. All the information provided in the overviews of the theoretical framework will be made available in a user-friendly manner, which will deliberately avoid the excessive technical jargon that characterizes so many modern works dedicated to interpreting medieval literature. In order to ensure an even better understanding of the relevant theoretical framework, we will read and interpret together, in class, a selection of famous (or less so) texts of varying length in English translation either taken from existing publications or freshly translated by the instructor for the purpose. The selection of texts will be as wide as possible-chronologically, geographically, and thematically-so as to cover and illustrate a variety of text forms including (but not limited to) historical narrative, bio- and hagiographic discourse, epic and lyrical poetry, dramatic literature. The course will address, in a succession of meetings structured as lectures combined with interactive seminars, topics such as the various factors that inform and shape medieval literary texts as well as the mental horizons of their authors (language, generic conventions, the classical literary heritage, canon, conceptions of authorship, rhetorical conventions, various forms of imitation/mimesis, etc.) as well as modern critical approaches either focused on the text itself (such as New Criticism), on its audience (such as reader-response theories), or on various ways of (de)constructing the ideological and historical context of medieval literature (e.g., Marxist interpretations, feminist, queer, post-colonial approaches).The ultimate goal of the course is to equip the students with basic tools that will help them approach medieval literary texts confidently and in full knowledge of the various ideologies that shaped them as well as foster a better aesthetic appreciation of such texts. Ample opportunity for practice will be offered throughout the course both in terms of active and creative participation in the seminars and by means of a written assignment at the end of the semester-the interpretation of a literary text chosen ad libitum from a selection of texts provided by the instructor making use of one (or more) critical approach(es) surveyed during the course-followed by the instructor's relevant feedback. Knowledge of Latin (although certainly appreciated) is not required.