From cannibal giants to fairy queens, one of the defining characteristics of medieval literature is its monsters. Far from simply being marginal grotesques, representations of monsters and monstrousness were central to the construction of individual and cultural identity in the Middle Ages. This seminar considers representations of monsters in imaginative literature (for example, in various romance texts, the Beowulf-manuscript, Geoffrey of Monmouth, Marie de France) alongside pivotal medieval thinkers on monstrosity and contemporary theorists on alterity, gender, the body, etc.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeMake sure to attend class, as she doesn't post what the class covered online. Blurton is super nice and her class is relatively straightforward, but the content is pretty boring and it was difficult to pay attention sometimes. Note down/remember a few main points for each topic/text covered and you should be fine.
Bad class. Lectures basically worthless, you're on your own in understanding the texts. Worst English class I've taken. Knew it wasn't going to be good cuz it's medieval stuff but I was not ready for how poorly run it would truly be.
At first I didn't mind this class and her teaching methods. I really appreciated how much she knew about medieval literature. But after a while it became clear that she was a professor who only cared about lectures and wasn't involved in any other part of the class. My TA, who was super helpful, was my main source of information for the class.
I never like to make review's on professors, but because of these tough times we are facing due to the pandemic, I saw a disgusting side of Professor Blurton. Her grading was extremely harsh, and her feedback was awful. You really see individual's true colors during challenging times. She does not have empathy or sensitivity. I do not recommend.