JAN 108 - Fencing and Swords in History and Popular Culture

En Garde! Prepare to enter the world of D’Artagnan, Zorro, and Game of Thrones. This class is two things: a beginning fencing class (that’s the easy part), and an exploration of all things fencing, including a medieval duel with 30 people to a side! We will examine the cultural representations of fencing in history and through popular culture; the sociology of fencing in the history of dueling and honor culture; how fencing culture intersects with the culture of sport in contemporary fencing; and the kinesiology of fight choreography. Topics will include fencing and race and gender in the US. There’s even a lesson about the relationship between fencing and communism. And through it all, you learn to fence. There will be one field trip on Thursday evening of the second week of Janterm to an SCA swordplay meetup.

Instructor(s): Ellen Rigsby & Carl Thelen
Email:  erigsby@stmarys-ca.edu

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisites:  ENG 5/108 or 108; SEM 1/102;
Course Fee:  $100 

Credits: 1