ENGL 2515 Survey of British Literature I

 

Mr. Radcliffe

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM TR  McBryde Hall 304

 

This class follows the development of English literature from its beginnings in oral and manuscript culture in the medieval period to the beginnings of modern commercial publishing in the eighteenth century.  We will read a selection of seminal works in the more important genres of poetry and prose, considering how they address matters of concern of their times and ours, and how their forms and sentiments laid the groundwork for modern literature.  Evaluation will be based on attendance, class participation, and short assignments (30%), two 5-6 page papers (40%), and a final examination (30%).

A survey course like this has several goals.  Since English literature is filled with allusions to landmark works, surveys of earlier literature are obviously useful for grasping references in later literature.  Surveys also introduce the ways of reading works in their historical, social, and intellectual contexts.  Still another purpose is to cultivate an awareness of long-term historical continuity and change since literary works typically speak to contexts beyond those that originally gave rise to them.  And then, not the least important purpose of a survey course is to equip contemporary readers and writers with "the best that has been thought and said" by their predecessors.

To pursue these goals it is necessary to absorb a good deal of information intended for future use: in other literature and humanities courses, but also for making sense of the world beyond the walls of the academy.  Because there is much information to be absorbed in a short time, students are required to do the readings, attend the lectures,  participate in discussions, and do the assignments.  Attendance will be taken and late work will be accepted only with the prior permission of the instructor.  Work done for this class is expected to be your own.

Textbook:   Norton Anthology of English Literature , eighth edition.