Medieval English: Sex, Gender & Culture

This module introduces some of the major themes and genres of medieval culture. It is organised around the theme of cultural encounters, in order to emphasise the synthetic, international and translated elements of medieval culture. It is framed by opening and closing weeks which consider the encounter of the medieval and the modern. The body of the module addresses encounters – of cultures, languages, peoples, modes of representation, periods – in French, Spanish and English literatures, with particular attention to representations of time, space and language. We are delighted to be able to offer this module in collaboration with the British Museum. Textual analysis will be complemented with studies of two of our major themes, love culture and the medieval synthesis of classical and Christian cultures, using visual and material culture.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/english/modules/2011-12/level7/7aaym107.aspx

This module offers an advanced introduction to methods and skills used in the research of the medieval period (c. 500–1550). It addresses Old and Middle English writings, using translations where necessary, and it also draws on medieval Latin and European culture more widely. The module provides training in two key areas: first, you will acquire primary research and bibliographical skills (where to look for what); and second, you will develop a knowledge of critical debates and methodologies (who said what, when, and why). We will explore the core areas of medieval sexuality, gender and cultural studies with reference to the following disciplinary, theoretical and interpretive issues: textual culture and editorial practice; visual culture; translation; periodization; canon formation; historical and documentary culture; religious culture.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/english/modules/2011-12/level7/pgtmods.aspx

This course examines, from a variety of different perspectives, relationships between bodies and books using as its evidence Latin and English works from the late Antique period to the eleventh century. We start with St Augustine's Confessions and we end with by considering the late tenth century poem, The Dream of the Rood. All texts, which include those rarely if ever read at undergraduate level, are available in translation for those students not specializing in Old English or early literature.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/english/modules/2011-12/level7/7aaem612.aspx

What is queer theory? What models does it offer for exploring gender and sexuality historically? How might queer theories of the past connect with present and future configurations of identity, subjectivity and desire? Refusing the contemporary bias in much queer scholarship, this interdisciplinary module often uses examples from premodernity as a means of examining the key methods and assumptions of a queer approach to time and history. The module also provides opportunities to think about the interface between queerness and history in contemporary public culture, say in the context of museums and galleries. Familiarity with premodern literature and history isn't essential (where necessary texts can be circulated in translation). The module is aimed at students who wish to develop, discuss and critique a range of theoretical perspectives on gender, sexuality, history and temporality, whether or not they have a prior background in medieval or renaissance studies.

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/english/modules/2011-12/level7/7aaem626.aspx