Middle High German Literature II : Fifteenth-Century Book Culture of the German-Speaking World

Seminar explores the bawdy adventures of animals, students, priests, and adulterous wives in the wide world of medieval short tales, both in verse and prose. Participants will examine select German Mären from the new and comprehensive edition of German Verse-Couplet Tales published in 2020. These will be read alongside analogues in medieval French, Italian, and English and their varying historical and manuscript contexts. Attention also given to Latin (fables) and Arabic influences. Concluding with Grimms’ fairy tales, seminar provides preparation for students who may teach fairy tale courses in future. Readings and seminar discussion in English.