SoSe 18: PS-Surveying English Literatures: Insanity, Politics and Orphian Myth
Regina Scheibe
Comments
Dealing with fundamental human experiences, such as bereavement, social responsibility, and the impact of artistic achievement, the Orpheus myth has exerted powerful influence on Western culture from the sixth century B.C. right up to modern times. We will examine medieval English versions of the ancient story, paying particular attention to the medieval concept of insanity and its personal, cultural as well as political consequences. To gain an improved understanding of the psychological, philosophical, and cultural implications of the motif, we will also consider modern works, such as J. R. R. Tolkien’s Of Beren and Lúthien, Salman Rushdie’s The Ground Beneath Her Feet, and the film What Dreams May Come.
Students will be expected to read the allocated texts in advance to each session and to take actively part in class discussion. The following edition of Salman Rushdie’s novel should be purchased by the students: Salman Rushdie, The Ground Beneath Her Feet(London: Vintage Books, 2000), ISBN 978-0-099-76601-8. The medieval English texts of Sir Orfeo and Orpheus and Eurydice by Robert Henryson are available as TEAMS editions (www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/teams.htm). All other texts and a select bibliography will be provided.
Language of instruction: English. Required language level: C1-C2.
Procedure and assessment: Each week texts will be earmarked for study at home and discussion in class. During the course, students will be asked to give a brief presentation. The final mark will be based on regular and active participation in class and on a final essay of approx. 2,000 words.
close14 Class schedule
Regular appointments