The Middle Ages and the Modern World: Facts and Fiction - January 14, 2025

The course will provide you with an introduction to the major cultural traditions of the Western world in the Middle Ages. The course will include myths, narratives, images, and other forms of representation from a variety of national and religious traditions. Topics may include the study of kings, warriors, saints, knights, mystics, mythological heroes, and exotic beasts such as dragons.  It will also include examinations of medieval-themed material in modern popular culture, including fictional writing, movies, and video games, social media and the Web 2.0.  No prior knowledge of medieval studies is required.