Brief description
The aim of this module is not only to introduce a selection of early women's literature, but also to examine the often problematic circumstances of its production. A whole spectrum of writing will be considered, from prayers to records of heresy trials.
This module on women, writing and religion in the Middle Ages will begin by examining both the antifeminist tradition and the historical reality of woman's position within medieval society. It will then consider a wide range of Middle English texts, including guides for holy women, saints' lives, visionary writings, personal letters and devotional pieces by and for women. Topics covered will include women and martyrdom, women's masochism, virginity and sexuality, holy anorexia, and the feminization of God. Most of these works are easily accessible in the set texts. The module will be taught in two hour weekly seminars, which will be introduced by seminar papers.

Outline syllabus
Seminars:

• Women in the Middle Ages: representations of Eve and the Virgin Mary in literature and visual art; religious and scientific notions of woman; the social and historical background
• Exemplary Lives 1: Seinte Margarete
• Examplary Lives 2: The Life of Christina of Markyate
• Enclosed Women 1: Ancrene Wisse parts 7 and 8; Hali Mei?had
• Enclosed Women 2: Julian of Norwich, The Divine Revelation
• Women in Society: The Book of Margery Kempe; the Paston letters
• Women's Visions 1 and 2: The Life of Christina of Markyate; Julian of Norwich, The Divine Revelation; The Book of Margery Kempe, 'A Revelation Showed to a Holy Woman'.
• Women's Visions 3 and 4: Continental Woman Visionaries