Module Title:             LIT 101 Introduction to Literary History & Forms

Credit Value:             12

Module Tutor:           Mr. Simon Daniel

General Objectives

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the study of English literature at the tertiary level.  Students will be given a historical overview of English Literature and the dominant forms of expression.  The following literary forms will be introduced and their distinguishing characteristics examined: poetry, novel, short story, drama and essay.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will able to:

• place major writers and their writings in English literature in a broad historical context
• comment on the political and social developments in England as backgound to writings
• differentiate between literary movements
• figure out evolution of literary forms

Subject Matter:

1.      Introduction to literary history of England

2.      The Anglo-Saxon Period, prose translations

3.      The Anglo-Norman Period, religious and didactic poetry

4.      The Age of Chaucer, narrative poetry

5.      Origin and development of the theatre

6.      The Elizabethan Age, prose, poetry and drama

7.      The ballad, sonnet and other poetry

 8.   The Essay

 9.   The Puritan Age, the epic

10.  The Neo-Classical Age, poetry, periodicals, restoration drama

11.  The Romantic Revival Age, lake poets

12.  The Victorian Age, dramatic monologue, novels

13.  War Literature, poetry

14.  Post war literature

Teaching and Learning Approach

Lecture:           3hrs/wk

Tutorials:         1hr/wk (including discussions& presentations)

Assessment

1^st Assignment:           (800 - 1000 words)                 10%

2^nd Assignment:           (1500 - 2000 words)               20%

Oral Presentation:                                                       20%

Examination:                                                               50%

Total:                                                                           100 marks

Essential Reading:

Evans, B. I. (1950). A short history of English literature. London: Penguin

Long, W. J. (2007). English literature: Its history and significance for the life of the English speaking world. Boston: Ginn and company

Rees, R.J. (1973). English literature:  An introduction for foreign readers. New Delhi: Macmillan

Suggested Reading (Sample Literature):

Abrams, M.H. (2012). Glossary of literary terms. Delhi:  Cengage Learning

Albert, Edward. (1979). History of English literature. New Delhi: OUP

Austen, J. (2001). Pride and prejudice. New York: Dover

Bacon, F. (1985). Of marriage and single life. In The essays. London: Penguin

Daichess, David. (1961). A critical history of English literature (2Vols.). London: Decker and Warburg

Hardy, T.  (2003). Tess of the d'Urbervilles. Reading: Addison-Wesley

Holbrook, D. (1982). Fingers in the door. In R. J. Rees English literature: An introduction for foreign readers. New Delhi: Macmillan

Osborne, J. (1957). Look back in anger. London: Faber & Faber

Salinger, J.D. (1951). The catcher in the rye. Boston: Little Brown

Shakespeare, W. (2000). Sonnet 29. In Shakespeare's sonnets. London: Yale University Press 

Shakespeare, W. (2006). Much ado about nothing. New York: Arden

Shakespeare, W. (2000). Sonnet 116 In Shakespeare's sonnets. London: Yale University Press  

Wilde. Oscar. (2008). The importance of being earnest. London: OUP

Module developed by Mr. Simon Daniel