What did you dream about last night? This course examines the medieval dream vision: poetic fictions that take place within the dreaming mind, set in impossible landscapes and populated by strange creatures. We will explore what the dream vision can teach us about the human mind, the nature of the imagination, and the relationship between fiction and lived experience. We will also consider whether this medieval genre anticipates the conventions of modern science fiction and fantasy.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-A-II
What did you dream about last night? This course examines the medieval dream vision: poetic fictions that take place within the dreaming mind, set in impossible landscapes and populated by strange creatures. We will explore what the dream vision can teach us about the human mind, the nature of the imagination, and the relationship between fiction and lived experience. We will also consider whether this medieval genre anticipates the conventions of modern science fiction and fantasy.
Offered in Spring 2026 at Stanford University.