Objectives and competences
The objective of this course is to expose students to the major periods of importance to the study of literature in English, to encourage reading of classic texts in context, to connect literature with culture and to encourage a view of literature as one part of a continuum of language, nation and culture.
Content (Syllabus outline)
• Timeline of Literary & Cultural History
• The Age of King Arthur
• Medieval Literature
• Renaissance poetry
• Elizabethan drama
• Metaphysical poetry
• Neo-Classical writing
• The Birth of the Novel
Learning and teaching methods
• lectures,
• seminars,
• short writing assignments.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of this course the student will be able to:
• Recognize the literary period of early texts in English
• Differentiate Old English from Middle English and Modern English
• Analyze and compare style and theme of texts from these early periods
• Use historical context in interpreting literature
• Understand the Elizabethan stage and apply that knowledge to an appreciation of Elizabethan plays
• Analyze and critically evaluate audio and video materials (recordings and films), and include them in textual analysis
• Write short analyses, reports and essays about literature and culture
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
• Ability to organize data and express it in written presentations
• Ability to use both print and electronic media for extending and deepening knowledge
Readings
• Greenblatt, S. et al. The Norton Anthology of English Literature Vol. 1. New York: Norton, 2012.
• Brotton, J. The Renaissance: A Very Short introduction. Oxford: OUP, 2006.
• Poplawski, Paul, English Literature in Context. Cambridge, 2014.
Prerequisits
Attendance of 80% and regular completion of coursework are required for taking the exam.
Additional information on implementation and assessment • written exam,
• short written assignments.
