This course deals with texts that have all been presented as 'subversive' of courtly and heroic ideals. The course will examine both the literary and social contexts of the set works, which will be merrily and mercilessly subjected to every sort of critical scrutiny, from gender studies to narratology to cultural anthropology, historicism and beyond.

20 1-hour seminars over both semesters as scheduled in MyCampus.

None

None

Two x 2,000 word Essays (one in each semester) - 50% each 

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ foster understanding of comic, parodic and subversive literary works produced in France during the 12th and 13th centuries;

■ challenge students to reflect critically on a range of methodological approaches in the field of medieval literary and historical/ cultural studies;

■ develop students' understanding of the responsible and appropriate use of translations and parallel-text editions as a means to understanding materials produced in older forms of the French language.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ assess the relationship between the texts and their social, historical and political contexts;

■ identify and discuss major themes and generic features in the prescribed material, especially with regard to questions of humour, parody, satire and other forms of subversion;

■ make responsible and appropriate use of translations and parallel-text editions as a means to understand older forms of the French language;

■ compare and contrast the set materials in appropriate and illuminating ways;

■ make competent use of secondary literature and achieve proper integration of such material into an original argument;

■ write clear, analytical and appropriately referenced essays on topics related to the set works and the ideas explored on the course.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's

summative assessment.