English 45A

Other Readings and Media

Liuzza, R. M. (trans): Beowulf; Dickson, D., (ed.): Poetry of John Donne; Mann, J., (ed.): Chaucer's Canterbury Tales; Marlowe, C.:  Dr. Faustus; Milton, J.:  Paradise Lost

Description

This course will introduce you to some central works from the earlier centuries of English literary history in order to help you develop strategies within which to read early literatures. Its particular focus on Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, Dr. Faustus, the poetry of John Donne, and Paradise Lost will allow us to engage the early literature of England from a variety of perspectives. We will explore various genres (among them, epic, romance, lyric, drama) and the expectations created by these forms. Throughout, we will be thinking about contemporary literary conventions and the cultural contexts of the works on which we focus. And we will attend closely to matters of language, observing how English changes over the centuries.

Please note that this class will first meet on Monday, August 29; discussion sections will not start being held until Friday, September 2.