An Introduction to English Honours
Terms 1 – 2
MWF, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This version of the introductory course for English Honours students will concentrate on the development of the main literary genres since the Renaissance. Instead of proceeding in a straight chronological order, the course will match early and more modern variations of tragedy, comedy, the pastoral, the heroic and the prose fiction. This background will provide honours students with a greater understanding of how the main genres have formed a consistent basis for literary expression throughout the centuries while also allowing change and development. Opening with readings and discussion of theories of genres and the canon, including selections from Northrop Frye, Mikhail Bakhtin, Jacques Derrida, we will precede through a selection of works from the main genres from both early and recent periods, including works by Shakespeare, Stoppard, Wycherley, Wilde, Milton, Wordsworth, Walcott, Austen, and Achebe. Evaluation will be based on a combination of essays mid-terms and exam. In addition, students will be asked to lead one class, beginning with a seminar presentation.
