Introduction to British Studies

The British Studies syllabus will be organized into two to three week blocks which focus on particular historical periods and investigate specific literary and cultural texts and genres within those periods. Each section of the course will examine the development of a particular genre (namely, the sonnet, the pastoral and the novel) and expository texts which explore the social, political, and aesthetic tensions of each period. The course will introduce the student to the techniques of close textual reading of literary and cultural texts in British literature; develop an appreciation of the historical and literary conditions under which texts are produced; examine the development of specific genres within historical time periods; and ask the student to write essays about the texts on the reading list using the vocabulary and strategies of literary study.

Knowledge and understanding:

- some knowledge of the history and society of the British Isles in different historical periods

- understanding of the interplay between culture and literature in British history and culture

- insight into the main formal and thematic characteristics of literary genres

- in-depth knowledge of individual texts of the period

Skills/proficiency:

- familiarity with a diversity of texts and genres of British Literature

- proficiency in close reading, analysis, and interpretation of literature

- to be able to write persuasively and effectively in academic English

Language of instruction and examination is English.

(These text books should be purchased):

- Norton Anthology of English Literature, 8th edition.

- Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. In Roma Gill, ed., Romeo and Juliet. Oxford School Shakespeare, (ISBN-019832149X)

- Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. Penguin (ISBN: 0142437204)

- McEwan, Ian. Saturday. (ISBN 0224072994)

- Murfin, Ross C. and Supryia M. Ray, ed., Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms. 2nd edition. (ISBN 1-4039-05053)

- Griffith, Kelley. Writing Essays about Literature: A Guide and Style Sheet. 6th edition (ISBN-0-15-503708-0)

(Highly Recommended Literary History and Cultural Studies):

- Alexander, Michael. A History of English Literature. 2nd edition, Macmillan, 2000.

- Mustad, Jan Erik and Ulla Rahbek, ed., A Short Introduction to the History of the United Kingdom. Fagbokforlaget, 2006. (ISBN-9788245003857)