History of Literatures in English: From the Renaissance to Romanticism

Content

Britain possesses a rich literary heritage. This lecture course will provide insights into the richness, diversity, and continuity of that tradition. The lecture will cover the canon of English literature from the Renaissance to the Romantic period. The various schools and the historical periods that represent English literature include: Renaissance and Reformation Literature 1510-1620; Revolution and Restoration Literature 1620-1690; Eighteenth-Century Literature 1690-1780; and the Literature of the Romantic Period 1780-1830. Shakespeare, a towering figure of the English literary pantheon, will take centre stage. In addition, the writings of other major literary figures such as John Donne, John Milton, Aphra Behn, Daniel Defoe, William Blake or William Wordsworth will remain central to the lecture course.

Objectives

Students will learn the biographical details, and the socio-cultural contexts in which the literatures were produced. In addition, students will be able to articulate the genealogical roots of literature and literary figures between various historical periods, and their succession and continuity to present times.

Prerequisites

None

Requirements for credits

Regular participation is required. In addition, students are expected to read all assigned texts for the lecture course. For the successful completion of this course, students must write one essay at the end of the teaching period. SELAEn5 students have to write three lecture minutes from three lectures of their choice (processing time: three weeks).

Set texts

William Shakespeare: King Lear (Arden 3rd: 9781408133491)

William Shakespeare: The Tempest (Arden 3rd: 978-1-4081-3347-7)

Aphra Behn: Oroonoko, or the Royal Slave (1688) (Norton: 9780393970142)

Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe (1719) (Oxford World’s Classics: 9780199553976)