ENGL 317(F) Literary History

Literary texts preserve human voice-they are "timeless"-but they are also historical objects themselves, rooted in time. In this course we will look closely at the ways in which time matters for readers and writers. What does historical "context" mean? What sort of historical objects do literary texts make? In what ways is literature part of an ongoing historical narrative? We will read a broad spectrum of literary works and critical essays. The literary works will be primarily poetry, from various periods. We will also pay some extended attention to King Lear and its textual history. Critical texts will include formal literary histories from several periods, as well as contemporary critical essays. Requirements: one brief paper, in-class participation and work, and a 15- to 20-page essay on a topic of the student's own devising. Major Seminar. Open only to English majors and qualified non-majors. Permission of English Department chair required; see information above. Enrollment limited to 15. (Criticism)

Hour: P. MURPHY