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On successful completion of this course, students will have gained an overview of the classical literary genre of the pastoral and its reception in the Renaissance and Early Modern period, as well as detailed knowledge of the work of selected bucolic writers with a special emphasis in later periods on the British pastoral tradition.

From its origins in the Greek poetry of Hellenistic Alexandria, the bucolic genre has enjoyed a long and rich history of reception which continues to flourish even today. After Vergil’s transferal of the pastoral mode into Latin and his Silver Age followers, bucolic poetry rose to enormous popularity among Renaissance and Early Modern authors who produced pastoral literature in both Latin and the vernaculars. This course will trace the origin and development of the pastoral mode from its ancient beginnings, through its burst of popularity on the European stage during the 14^th–17^th centuries, and finally to its reception in specifically English literature until the 18^th century. The Pastorals (1709) of English poet Alexander Pope will constitute the end point of the course’s literary reception overview, but we will also look forwards in the final sessions of the class to more modern expressions of pastoral ideas as well.

Individual and in-class reading of primary texts (mostly in translation), class discussion and lectures. 

The final grade will be based on a mid-term exam (30%) and a final exam (50%) involving short essay writing and textual commentary in English or German as desired. Attendance and participation in class discussion will account for the final 20% of the grade.

A list of primary texts and suggested secondary literature will be provided in the first class. Where not otherwise easily available, primary texts in translation will be provided throughout the course.