Literatures in English I: to 1700
Class Information
Instructor: Chaganti, Seeta
Time: TR 6:10-7:30pm
Location: 6 Wellman
Description
The aim of this course is to prepare you for advanced study in English literature. Our focus will be literature written in English before 1700, a period of fascinating historical, political, social, and linguistic transformation. We will read texts from a range of authors (English and American) and genres that reflected, addressed, and produced these changes. Of paramount importance will be students' development of skills in reading, discussing, and writing about the literature. Specifically, we will work on three kinds of skills: (1) understanding how language and literature develop over time; (2) learning to interpret both the content and form of poetry, prose, and drama by observant attention to detail; and (3) formulating compelling and original research questions and arguments.
Grading
Attendance and Participation: 10%
Quizzes and Short Writing Assignments: 20%
Close Reading Paper: 20%
Research Paper: 30%
Final Exam: 20%
Texts
Norton Anthology of English Literature, Greenblatt et al.