Freshman Honors Colloquium II

This semester, we will be examining adaptations and appropriations of the medieval into 20th century and 21st century media. Typically, the term medieval is associated with the European Middle Ages (as opposed to the same era in other continents). There is an academic society, the International Society for the Study of Medievalism, that is devoted to the analysis of medievalism, as well as academic journals:

• Studies in Medievalism
• The Year’s Work in Medievalism
• Postmedieval

For our class, you will be required to purchase/borrow/rent and read two books:

1. The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern’s Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure (William Goldman)

2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (J. R. R. Tolkien)

You will also be required to purchase/borrow/rent and watch two movies:

1. The Princes Bride
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Other works I am considering for class analysis:

• Actual Medieval Works:
  • Beowulf
  • Robin Hood stories
  • Arthurian stories
  • Ragnarök
  • The Canterbury Tales
• Medievalist Works of more contemporary origins:
  • medievalist rock music
  • medievalist video games
  • the Society for Creative Anachronism
  • Monty Python and the Holy Grail
  • A Knight’s Tale

What I’m seeking from you:

Please complete the below survey, as much as possible, to give me ideas of  your preferences and interests.