75362 - Gender and Violence in the Old Germanic Literatures

Learning outcomes

The student is acquainted with ancient Germanic literatures and acquires the critical tools to investigate the relationship between gender and violence in the literary evidence of the Nibelungen-Volsungian-Theodoric subject matter and in related (also transmutational) rewritings.

Course contents

The Power of Words: Reynaert the Fox

The course is devoted to Van den vos Reynaerde, one of the greatest masterpieces of medieval European literature. Its central character is Reynard, an elusive and ambiguous fox who challenges the values of feudal society through deception, eloquence, and wit. Following a general introduction to the historical and cultural context in which the work was composed, the course will examine its principal episodes. Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between satire, humour, and social criticism, as well as to the narrative and rhetorical strategies that make the work unique within the medieval literary tradition. The course will also explore the connections between the text and the French Roman de Renart, together with its subsequent reception in the Germanic literary traditions. Van den vos Reynaerde lends itself to an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together literary, linguistic, historical, and cultural perspectives, and thus provides an outstanding example of the interdisciplinary nature of medieval studies.

Readings/Bibliography

Bertagnolli, Davide, Reynaert la volpe, Carocci, Roma, 2026.

Teaching material on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

Seminar. Students are strongly encouraged to attend and actively participate in all classes, as active engagement is a key component of the course.

No knowledge of Dutch is required.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

 

Teaching tools

Multimedia resources.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities: It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e- dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Bertagnolli