FREN 1200 - Medieval Epic and Romance: Game of Thrones

FALL 2026
MWF 1:25-2:15
TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
Professor: Charlie Samuelson

Game of Thrones image with women and dragons


Ìý

The popularity of George RR Martin's fantasy sagaÌýA Song of Ice and FireÌýand its Emmy-winning HBO adaptationÌýGame of ThronesÌýshows us that major themes from medieval stories still resonate with audiences, even a thousand years after their composition. Why is this? This course will introduce you to some major epic and romance texts of the Middle Ages, such asÌýBeowulf, The Song ofÌýRomance,ÌýandÌýThe Death of King Arthur.ÌýWe will aim to understand the rich literary tradition that has led to our modern interest in dragons, damsels,Ìýknights, heroes, monsters, magic, murder, and so forth. We will particularly focus on how medieval literature can guide us to a richer understanding both of our own interests, desires, and fears:Ìýof who we are.

This course is taught in English and has been approved for the Arts and Sciences core curriculum.

Please email Charles.Samuelson@colorado.edu if you have questions about the course.