History of Literatures in English: From the Renaissance to Romanticism 26_27
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 (in-class exam). SELAEn5 students must write minutes on three lectures of their choice (submission deadline: three weeks after the end of the teaching period).
Set texts/required reading:
William Shakespeare: King Lear (Arden 3rd 978-1903436592)
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)
A Reader with seminal material will be available in the OPAL course.
Registration: Please register via the OPAL course by 7 October 2025.
Tuesday, 11:30-13:00, C22.101 (2/B101) First meeting: 13.10.2026
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 (in-class exam). SELAEn5 students must write minutes on three lectures of their choice (submission deadline: three weeks after the end of the teaching period).
Set texts/required reading:
William Shakespeare: King Lear (Arden 3rd 978-1903436592)
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)
A Reader with seminal material will be available in the OPAL course.
Registration: Please register via the OPAL course by 7 October 2026.