English 10A-2 - Spring, 2014

Literatures in English I: to 1700

Class Information

Instructor: Neil, Kelly
CRN: 22425
Time: TR 1:40-3:00
Location: 209 Wellman

Description

This course focuses on English literature up to 1700 and prepares students for advanced literary studies through reading, discussing, and writing about a variety of texts in genres such as poetry, prose, and drama. In order to understand the historical context of these readings, we will probe some of the fascinating and troubling facets of law, science, politics, religion, and gender which comprised medieval and early modern world views. Students will study how literature reflects, shapes, and subverts these facets of English culture before 1700 by examining the work of various authors, including men and women, those of the upper class and the middling sort, English and American. Students will develop their abilities to closely analyze the language and form of a text, articulate how relationships may take shape between the literature and culture of pre-1700 England, and write compelling arguments constructed through the conventions of critical literary discourse.

Grading

Attendance and Participation: 5%
Quizzes and Homework: 10%
Close Reading Papers: 30% (two papers at 15% each)
Research Essay: 25%
Mid-term: 15%
Final Exam: 15%

Texts

The Sovereignty and Goodness of God, Mary Rowlandson, ed. Neil Salisbury
The Norton Anthology of Literature, Vol 1, 9th Edition, Greenblatt et al.