This course provides a sampling of literature from different regions of the world during the medieval period to analyze the role of animals in these stories through social, cultural, and literary lenses. We will think of how animals function throughout frame stories and pictorial representations and their significance in the transmission and reimagination of these stories through space and time. My goal is that we will review these ideas by reading short excerpts and focusing on deeply analyzing them through close reading and paying attention to hypertextual references to produce careful and analytical writing.

We will be reading excerpts of the Panchatantra, Kalila and Dimna, Disciplina Clericalis, The Book of Good Love, Tales of Count Lucanor, and the Aberdeen Bestiary.

Course Requirements:

This course requires regular attendance, active involvement, in class participation, and timely completion of reading and writing assignments. Students will write two short papers (4-5 pages) and one longer paper (8-10 pages). No mid-term, no final exam.

Intended Audience:

Language competency in other language besides English is not required since all texts will be read in translation.