Middlebury

CMLT 0123

Adventures in Literary Romance

Adventures in Literary Romance
In this course we will explore the literary genre of romance. Today, “romance” often refers to courtship—only one aspect of this ancient genre. Other aspects include adventure, magic, wonder, multiple plots, multiple authors, an affinity for sequels. Romance’s associations with every genre—tragedy, comedy, epic, novel, lyric poetry—and its reputation for escapism have made it an epitome of the very idea of literature, as conceived by attackers and defenders. Its welcoming of female readers and protagonists and its marketing of the exotic have raised issues of gender and ethnicity. We will discuss all such aspects and implications of romance, and we may also explore how romance has shaped modern television and film. No papers or exams; there will be quizzes daily on the reading, and students will be expected to participate thoughtfully in class discussions. Readings from texts such as: Daphnis and Chloe, Ethiopian Romance, The Gospel of Luke, The Golden Ass, Arthurian romances by various authors, Orlando Inamorato, Orlando Furioso, The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia, The Merchant of Venice, The Winter’s Tale, Don Quixote,/ Waverly/, Madame Bovary, Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Time Quintet. 3 hrs. lect.
Subject:
Comparative Literature
Department:
Comparative Literature
Division:
Literature
Requirements Fulfilled:
LIT
Equivalent Courses:
ENGL 0123 *
ENAM 0123

Sections

Fall 2023

CMLT0123A-F23 Lecture (Berg)
CMLT0123Z-F23 Discussion (Berg)

Fall 2022

CMLT0123A-F22 Lecture (Berg)

Fall 2020

CMLT0123A-F20 Lecture (Berg)

Fall 2018

CMLT0123A-F18 Lecture (Berg)