English 261: Masterpieces of English Literature

English 261 should provide you with both a sense of an author's language and major concerns, as well as an understanding of how a text reflects or deviates from the characteristics of a particular literary period. It should be recognized that the characteristics of various literary periods are indeed constructions, but before one can challenge notions of periodization, one first must have a sense of the definitions that have come under scrutiny. Some of the time in class will be spent focusing on close readings of texts: looking at images, metaphors, syntax, descriptive detail, and other stylistic features to ascertain how language contributes to meaning. At other times we will be looking at periodization and literary genre: how does a text reinforce or challenge the dominant ideology of its times? How does structure affect meaning? What does it mean when an author varies an established form (genre)? Beyond these more traditional approaches, I would also like you to keep in mind these questions: what pleasure does the text give? What ideologies (values) are being prescribed? What is on the margins, defined as Other or excluded; what agitates you, perplexes you?

Required text: The Norton Anthology of Literature, Vol. 1: Available through Textbook Rental

Recommended Text: Abrams, A Glossary of Literary Terms or Harmon and Holman, A Handbook to Literature. (These would need to be ordered specially. See me if you are interested.)