IDS 305: CHIVALRY: MEDIEVAL & MODERN

Medieval and Modern Chivalry examines the historical roots and literary expression of the distinctive warrior code of medieval Western Europe. Knights were expected to be good warriors (especially on horseback), loyal to their superiors, courteous to their fellow knights, protective of peasants, and good Christians – and, later, willing to go on great quests for the sake of a beloved. A major theme of the course is the tension between how writers portrayed these ideals and how real knights actually acted on crusades in warfare or in tournament.