A study of the timeless themes of love and power during the German Middle Ages, with a focus on the work of Walther von der Vogelweide, the greatest medieval German lyric poet. The texts will be read chiefly in modern German translation. A highlight of the course will be a carefully guided study of selected poems in the original Middle High German language. The approach will entail a combination of lecture, discussion and regular student presentations. 20th century German, Swiss, and Austrian authors will be discussed.
All texts are in English translation.
This course satisfies the Literature CORE requirement. It also counts toward the Major in Germanic Studies. Conducted in English . Selected texts from the Middle Ages to 1800 will be analyzed against the background of historical events, European literary movements, philosophy, music, art and architecture. Photocopies for additional readings will be distributed.