HS 477 - Seminar: Legends in Medieval History

(3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: One HS 100-level course, one HS 300-level course. Perhaps no other era in history has produced as many enduring legends as the Middle Ages. Robin Hood, Arthur of Camelot, Count Dracula, Macbeth, Charlemagne, Joan of Arc, and innumerable saints all join dragons, witches, lycanthropes, and other fantastic beasts as major elements of medieval popular culture. Study of their historicity, legendary use, and effect on medieval society proves a valuable tool to understanding the intellectual history of medieval Europe. Written or electronic permission of the instructor. IM