Subject code
JAN
Course Number
328
Course Title
Fencing and Swords in History
Modality
In-Person
Meeting Days
MTThF
Meeting Time(s)
9:15 AM - 11:45 AM
Instructor(s)
Ellen Rigsby & Carl Thelen
Instructor(s) Email
erigsby@stmarys-ca.edu, cthelen@stmarys-ca.edu
Prerequisites
WRIT-200
Course Fee
$80
Units
3
Course Description
En Garde! Prepare to enter the world of D’Artagnan, Zorro, and Luke Skywalker.
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 the Western tradition and through popular culture; fencing and race and gender in the US; 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 representations of fencing in movies. You will get training in fight choreography using Star Wars lightsabers, and perform a fight for the class. There’s even a lesson about the relationship between fencing and communism.
There will be a required field trip Thursday of the second week (in addition to class Thursday) to observe a sword-fighting practice with the Society for Creative Anachronism at the Rockridge BART station.
Athletes, please note this class will feel like an additional workout.
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 the Western tradition and through popular culture; fencing and race and gender in the US; 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 representations of fencing in movies. You will get training in fight choreography using Star Wars lightsabers, and perform a fight for the class. There’s even a lesson about the relationship between fencing and communism.
There will be a required field trip Thursday of the second week (in addition to class Thursday) to observe a sword-fighting practice with the Society for Creative Anachronism at the Rockridge BART station.
Athletes, please note this class will feel like an additional workout.