In this course, we will examine the role of saints in medieval French life and death. Medieval French literature shows saints as excessive, often uncanny beings who might levitate, live for years without food, see visions, or survive experiences that would be deadly for the average person. Their ability to cure others and to intercede with God renders saints a vital facet of medieval conceptions of physical, mental, and spiritual health. In contrast to the hierarchies of the Catholic church, saints often represented disruptive power, challenging typical social roles. We will investigate saints through their stories, images, and relics. Topics discussed will include disability, chronic illness, queer identities, and neurodiversity.

Class Format:

As a DC (Distance due to COVID) course, all aspects of this course will be fully compatible with remote online learning. All classes will take place synchronously. Testing for this course will be asynchronous and will consist of essays and/or other projects to be submitted via Canvas during a designated time frame.