Knights, Camera, Action! The Middle Ages in Comics, Literature, and Film   French 106S Fall 2005 W F 11:40 - 12:55 West Duke 105   Instructor: Julie Singer jes26@duke.edu Office Hours: W 10:30 - 11:30 Trinity Cafe

What were the Middle Ages, and how are they now portrayed in popular and literary culture? Why does such a long-ago era continue to fascinate modern writers, filmmakers, and artists?

In this course we will explore depictions of the medieval era (roughly defined as the period spanning the 5 th through 15 th centuries) in 20 th century French literature, films, and graphic novels. Films and modern texts will be paired with readings from the medieval period to see what has changed and what has endured. How have modern writers reused or reworked medieval traditions? Does the historical reality of the Middle Ages bear any resemblance to the image we see in today’s films, books, and comics?

This course is open to freshmen and sophomores only. All readings are in modern French; class discussion and written work must be completed in French.

Required texts:

René Barjavel, L’Enchanteur (Gallimard 1984/1997)

Jean Pleyers, Jehanne de France (Casterman 1998/2000)

Other readings are available on E-Reserve <www.lib.duke.edu/access/reserves/> .

Selected reference works about medieval French literature are on reserve at Perkins Library.

All films are on reserve at Lilly Library.

Attendance policy:

Attendance and active participation are essential to your success in this course. After three absences, each additional unexcused absence will lower your final course grade by one percent.

Calculation of grades:

Classroom Participation 15%

Blackboard Postings 10%

Vocabulary Quizzes 5%

Short Paper 1 20%

Short Paper 2 20%

Final Project 30%

Assignments:

Participation: Active class participation is essential. In order to receive the maximum participation grade, come to class on time every day having read the required texts; be prepared to talk about the films or readings; volunteer to speak and don’t be afraid to voice your opinions!

Blackboard Postings: Each student is required to post ten messages (at least one for each unit) to the Blackboard discussion board. These postings should be at least 150 words long. They may be comments on the films or texts, comparisons with other films or texts, questions or topics for class discussion, or any other comments related to the course. Postings will be evaluated on content, not grammar, so relax and have fun!

Vocabulary Quizzes: For each unit, I will post a list of new/important vocabulary encountered in the readings. At the end of each unit, there will be a brief quiz based on this list; you may be asked to match words with their definitions or to use the words in a sentence. No make-ups!

Short Papers: Each student will write two short papers (3-5 pages) related to the films or course readings; possible formats include, but are not limited to, film reviews, comparisons of two or more texts/films, or analyses of individual texts. Your papers will be evaluated on content, organization, and grammar/mechanics. Papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date; grades for papers turned in after the deadline will be lowered by 5% for each day they are late.

Final Project: In lieu of a final exam, you will complete a final project. You have the option of writing an academic, research-oriented paper (6-10 pages) or completing a creative writing project (length will vary depending on format). I will ask you to meet with me to discuss your final topic no later than Friday 18 November.

Grading scale:

Course schedule:

Unité I. Qu’est-ce que le Moyen Âge ?

31/8 Le Moyen Âge en images ; Présentation du cours

2/9 Histoire de la littérature française pp. 5-12

Unité II. L’Esprit gaulois

7/9 Les Visiteurs (1993) ; Quiz

9/9 Les Visiteurs

14/9 La Dame, Monsieur Bullbulos et son maître

16/9 Baillet le saveteur, ou le prêtre au lardier

Unité III. La Quête

21/9 Perceval le Gallois (1979) ; Quiz

23/9 Perceval le Gallois

28/9 L’Enchanteur pp. 39-55

30/9 L’Enchanteur pp. TBA ; Plan de travail (Rédaction 1)

5/10 Yvain pp. 301-314

7/10 Yvain pp. 251-260 ; Atelier d’écriture (Rédaction 1)

Unité IV. L’Esprit lyrique

12/10 Les Visiteurs du soir (1942) ; Quiz; Rédaction 1 à rendre

14/10 Les Visiteurs du soir

19/10 Vingt ans de poésie contemporaine

21/10 Rudel (bb); “Belle Doette” (bb); Villon; Berthelot (ed.)

Unité V. Les Bêtes, les monstres et le merveilleux

26/10 La Belle et la bête (1946) ; Quiz

28/10 La Belle et la bête

2/11 Le Passe-muraille

4/11 Bisclavret

9/11 Apollinaire, Roubaud

11/11 Bestiaires du Moyen Âge ; Plan de travail (Rédaction 2)

16/11 Lire le Moyen Âge 209-214 (?)

18/11 Atelier d’écriture (Rédaction 2)

Unité VI. La Bande dessinée

30/11 Jehanne de France ; Quiz; Rédaction 2 à rendre

2/12 Jehanne de France

7/12 Les Compagnons du crépuscule

9/12 Au revoir ! (une petite fête)

Final Project due December 12 th