Medieval women: Representations and roles
Introduction
The medieval world is renowned for its misogyny. In this Option, we will investigate the roots of this misogyny but we will also question whether its extent has been exaggerated and if so how, why and by whom. Taking a broadly chronological approach, and focusing on Western Europe, we will look at some of the roles played by women from 500 - 1500 and, as we do so, we will try to consider both how women saw themselves in these roles and how men perceived them. Given such a long time span, there will be considerable flexibility as to the precise shape of this Option. Students are therefore encouraged to think about which topics particularly interest them before arriving in Oxford.
Aims & Objectives
This course should:
- give you an introduction both to the middle ages and women's history
- alert you to the very narrow perspective of much historical writing
- provide insights into the social construction of gender
Suggested Topics
- classical and patristic misogyny
- women and the spread of Christianity
- motherhood and marriage
- the making of a medieval heroine
- women's writing
Preliminary Reading
- Blamires, A. (ed.), 1992, Women Defamed and Women Defended. (ISBN 0-297-81604-7)
- Ferrante, Joan, To the Glory of their Sex. (ISBN 0-253-21198-5)
- Leyser, H., 2002 (reprinted), Medieval Women (paperback) (ISBN 0-84212-621-0)