Program Overview

Program Overview

The MEDIEVAL/ITALIAN/RELIGST440 program, titled "POVERTY, ECOLOGY AND THE ARTS: ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI," is a 3-credit course that focuses on literature about Francis of Assisi, from medieval accounts to contemporary literature, and related artistic portrayals of St. Francis as a religious symbol and model for economic, political, and environmental justice.

Course Details

• The course is designed for students with Sophomore standing.
• It is designated as a Breadth - Literature course, counting toward the Humanities requirement.
• The course level is Intermediate L&S, and the credit counts as Liberal Arts and Science credit in L&S.
• The course contributes 50% toward the graduate coursework requirement.
• The course is not repeatable for credit.
• The last time the course was taught was in Spring 2023.

Learning Outcomes

The program aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

1. Articulate the significance of Francis of Assisi as a multi-faceted historical, literary, and symbolic figure, especially in relation to economic and environmental justice and reform.
2. Read and assess critically a range of literary genres that employ and depict Francis.
3. Compare interpretive models of Francis in literature and related artistic media over time and contexts.
4. Craft cogent written analysis of a literary and religious model such as Francis via selected interdisciplinary methods from religious studies, literary, and historical scholarship.
5. Produce a research paper on a critical aspect of the presentation of Francis in selected works, employing one or more disciplinary approaches covered in the course.

Audience

The program is designed for both graduate and undergraduate students, with specific outcomes tailored to each audience.