Middlebury

GSFS 0353

Medieval Bodies

Medieval Bodies
In this seminar we will examine how medieval European thinkers and artists theorized and visualized the body in ways that are vastly different from the ways in which the body is conceptualized today. Indeed, the “medieval body” was not a monolithic entity, but rather a shifting constellation of ideas and practices that waxed, waned, and coexisted throughout the Middle Ages. A body could be understood as an earthly body — sexed, fleshly, corruptible — as well as a heavenly and divine body, including Christ’s own. Our considerations will further contextualize representations of gendered, racialized, clerical, monstrous, animal, virginal, non-Christian, heretical, resurrected, and uncircumscribable bodies. Readings of the secondary literature will broaden readings of primary source materials, and our discussions will remain cognizant of gender-, sexuality-, race-, and performance-critical methods. There are no prerequisites for this course, but students will find it helpful to have some familiarity with either the history of art or with medieval history. 3hrs sem.
Subject:
Gender Sexuality &Fem. Studies
Department:
PrgGender/Sexuality/Fem. Study
Division:
Interdisciplinary
Requirements Fulfilled:
ART EUR HIS
Equivalent Courses:
HARC 0353 *

Sections

Fall 2023

GSFS0353A-F23 Seminar (Garrison)