Courses

In the margins, at the edge of thought, in the absence of the Book, as part of the authority of law: this is where, in an indeterminate space, what we think of as “literature” happens in the Middle Ages. This course will be looking at these “micro” spaces and their respective means of definition to understand where and how literary or poetic experience finds a point of inscription, how it becomes phenomenal, in what ways it relates to vision, law, or the body, divinity, to the form of a life, and more. We will look at the edges of the literary: at the intersection with law, religion, magic; by means of passion, through the body, in the heart, in madness and free association, and…by chance as an experience of contingency. Our reading will include studies of manuscripts and their commentaries and marginalia, the “writing on the heart” in medieval literary and contemporary theoretical contexts, the role of rhetoric in shaping and authorizing law, theoretical, philosophical, and psychoanalytic texts that address the question of poetic/literary experience and the rupture with historical time. Our texts will vary in geographic origin but primary texts will be available in translation.

This course will be working in conjunction with the seminar “Microliteratures: The Margin of the Law” at Yale taught by Professor Jesus Velasco and will be meeting together with his seminar at varied points throughout the semester, virtually, and if permitted, in person. The format of the “in person” vs. “virtual” meetings will be elucidated as we near the start of the semester and know what is permitted and feasible.