LFU:online

Students will be made familiar with the main periods, themes, genres and works from English literary history in the time between 1660 and 1815. They will be encouraged to reflect on the relations between literary developments and socio-political contexts. They will enhance their ability to analyze, contextualize and discuss literary works of different genres.

Welcome to an introduction to the literary history of a period that saw the restoration comedy, Romantic poetry (somewhat later) and, in between, what has been dubbed the “rise of the novel”. This lecture will pay attention to all the above phenomena and more: the sentimental comedy, gothic fiction, epistolary novels, mock-epic poetry and, last but not least, the cultural phenomenon of Jane Austen and her legacy (which will bring us into the early nineteenth century). The lecture will be structured according to the three main genres – drama, poetry, prose – and will address relevant periods, genres, themes and authors, often using case studies to illustrate larger points. It will sketch historical and cultural contexts. Special attention will be paid to the way in which the texts reflect an evolving understanding of gender relations. We will also discuss and apply methods of analysis of poetry, drama and prose.

Presentation, group work, discussion

Each slot will feature a lecture of ca. 70 minutes and a partner work/discussion period where we apply the contents of the lecture to a concrete example. Please be prepared to do some reading at home (excerpts from primary literature).

Written exam (on the contents of the lecture) and oral exam (on the core reading list)

Excerpts for preparation of the discussion sessions will be made available on OLAT.

MA: none

Teacher Training Programme 2001: Positive completion of first part of studies (1. Studienabschnitt).

Due to substantial differences in the allocation of ECTS-Credits in various curricula (teacher training program - BA/MA English and American Studies), the requirements for this course vary. Information will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the course.