ENG 211 - British Literature: Beginning to 18th Century

Exploration of major artistic, historical, cultural, philosophical, gender, and genre issues represented in selected works from Medieval, Renaissance, 17th and 18th century British literature.

Prerequisites: ENG 101  or ENG 103 . Reading Proficiency.

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Course Content:

1. Characteristic elements and examples of literary texts and genres (themes, structure, style, types, and analysis) 
2. Factors that affect critical reading and response: issues of translation, ethnocentrism, gender, and bias/prejudice 
3. Historical, geographical, cultural, ethnic, race and gender contexts for the study of British literature from the beginning to the 18th century 
4. Conceptual frameworks applied to British literature from the beginning to the 18th Century: definitions of culture, gender, race, and ethnicity; literary terminology; aesthetic movements 
5. Information literacy skills related to independent research

1. Classify, analyze and compare representative works of British literature from the Beginning to 18th Century within thematic, cultural, and aesthetic frameworks. (1)
2. Analyze cultural, linguistic, historical and other factors that influence perspectives on British literature from the beginning to the 18th Century, including attitudes about race, gender, and ethnicity. (2) 
3. Evaluate the role of literature in illuminating, challenging and/or perpetuating prejudice and social inequalities. (3) 
4. Explain and apply key terms and concepts related to literature and cultural diversity. (4) 
5. Employ tools of scholarship to communicate on issues of race, ethnicity and gender to British literature from the beginning to the 18th Century. (5) 

1. Demonstrate thoughtful and precise writing skills by completing at least 2500 words of monitored writing.