ENGL 2010

Literatures in English I: From Old English to the New World

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2022-2023.

An introduction for majors and non-majors to key works of literature from Britain and America from the earliest written English through the eighteenth century. Here's a chance to study a wide range of early literary masterpieces in their cultural and literary contexts, including Beowulf, Arthurian legends, works by Chaucer, Julian of Norwich, Shakespeare, Anne Bradstreet, Ben Franklin, Sageyowatha, Phillis Wheatley, and others. Reading across history and geography allows us to ask big questions about literature and society. How did literature factor in England's transformation from a cultural backwater into a global empire? What role does literature play in disciplining or liberating its readers? From our reading, we will create a toolkit of literary terms and techniques, while seeking a range of encounters with writings that influence how literature has developed to this day. The class counts toward the pre-1800 requirement for English majors.

When Offered Fall.

Breadth Requirement (HB)
Distribution Category (ALC-AS, LA-AS)
Satisfies Requirement This course counts toward the pre-1800 requirement for English majors.

Comments Students considering an English major should choose the 4-credit option. ENGL 2010 is not a prerequisite for ENGL 2020.

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