MRST 250 - Whose Middle Ages?

Semester Offered: Spring
0.5 unit(s)

Representations of the Medieval and Renaissance periods in popular culture and political discourse tend, implicitly or explicitly, to center a very narrow set of identities: male, Christian, Western European, and white. The purpose of this intensive is to provide an opportunity for students to learn about the disciplinary history that produced that narrow vision of the medieval period and to reflect on the ideological investments that maintain that vision in modern times. We consider how an expanded understanding of these periods with regards to gender and sexuality, religious difference, eurocentrism, and race can transform the way we understand the relevance of the Medieval and Renaissance worlds to contemporary concerns. After reflecting on how attention to these different axes of identity can broaden their perspective on the Medieval or Renaissance world (as shaped by popular culture, previous coursework, or other encounters with that history), participants formulate and conduct a self-designed project that examines one or more of those aspects of identity or geography in connection with their own interests. These projects may take the form of traditional research papers or employ other media or formats, such as online publication, performance, or visual arts. Throughout the semester, MRST faculty participate in conversations relating to their areas of expertise. Curtis Dozier.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the Instructor; at least one 200-level course in MRST or related fields.

One 1-hour period.

Course Format: INT