‘Subjectivity’ and ‘desire’ have become important analytical categories for a generation of medievalists. Influenced by the converging discourses of feminism, queer theory, psychoanalysis and postcolonial studies, scholars now commonly pose questions about what constitutes the ‘subject’ in medieval literature, how medieval subjectivity might fruitfully be placed in a cultural, historical and political context, and the extent to which medieval identity construction intersects with literary production.
This module addresses these themes in the context of religious writings in Latin, French and Middle English (Latin and French texts will be read in modern English translation; early Middle English texts will be read with the aid of translations.) Students will also be introduced to a range of contexts for medieval Christian piety, including monasticism, virginity, sanctity, the eucharist, pilgrimage and mysticism. The module focuses on the implications of such practices and beliefs for medieval constructions of identity and selfhood.
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/english/modules/level5/5aaeb014.aspx