ENG 223-01 - The Tradition of English Literature I

4 credits (Spring)

This course surveys works of English literature in conversation with the historical circumstances, social dynamics, and other texts that shape how traditions are written and understood. We will talk about how these texts came about, and what factors lead to their prominence and continuing influence upon those that come after them. With this in mind, we will read familiar works–Beowulf, Paradise Lost, selections from The Canterbury Tales–with texts written contemporaneously to complicate our ideas of what the tradition is and how it is formed.

Prerequisite: ENG 120 or ENG 121 for majors; for non-majors, ENG 120 or ENG 121 or third-year standing.
Instructor: Lorden