FREN3413 — The Eco-Ages
What did sustainability mean in the Middle Ages? How did people understand their surroundings and respond to environmental challenges? Did they see themselves as stewards or masters of nature? This course examines medieval environments through themes such as forests, water, animals, and natural materials, exploring topics like herbals, magical gems, plague, and deforestation laws. Readings will include primary sources from various medieval genres as well as secondary sources that provide scholarly perspectives and methodological insights. [Note: Students taking this course for French credit will engage with primary sources in modern French translation, while all discussions will be in English. ] prereq: at least 15 completed credits