ML 304

Medievalism in Science Fiction

In science fiction, echoes of the Middle Ages are everywhere you look. This course will examine how and why our medieval past shapes our dreams of the future by looking at novels, films, comic books, digital gaming, art, and other examples of futuristic medievalism. Major themes discussed will include the direct use of medieval source material, the influence of medieval romance, and the re-imagining of feudal society in futuristic settings. We will also consider the influence of medieval material culture on science fiction, with a specific focus on weaponry, art, and architecture. Exclusions: ML300T.