This course introduces students to the range of poetry, prose, and drama written from the earliest period of English literature to the eighteenth century. Through readings of representative texts, we examine principal literary movements, themes, and styles, and how these elements develop over several centuries. Our discussions also situate literature in historical and cultural context. Students should expect to read and read and read some more, as they proceed from Beowulf to Oroonoko, from John Milton to Jane Austen, from sonnets to essays, and from questions of good and evil to attitudes towards race and gender.

Other requirements include frequent quizzes, a class presentation, and a final project