ENGL 2221 Early British Literature

Description

Early British Literature studies the principal British writers, their literary forms, and significant currents of thought. This course provides both an introduction to early British Literature and a background that will be useful in the study of other literature and cultural history. Includes works from Beowulf through 1800.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Instructors recommend that students complete ENGL 1105 or an advanced high school literature class before registering for this course

Topics to be Covered

1. Major forms of British writing and writers from Beowulf through Restoration (to 1800)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge of canonical works of British literature, such as recognizing the names of major British writers and associating each writer with their works.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of major genres and styles in British literature, such as identifying and analyzing the roles of character, metaphor, plot, setting and structure in all literature; and understanding major themes of early British writing.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of major periods and historical developments in British literature, such as analyzing the major influences (ethnicity, race, religion, war, environment, historical events, philosophy) on early British writing.

4. Explain the development of (and changing meanings of) group identities in English history and culture related to British Literature from Beowulf through 1800.

5. Explain how individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society shaped British cultural identity from Beowulf through 1800.

6. Compare and contrast present day American attitudes, behaviors, concepts, and beliefs (regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry) with those of the English living from Beowulf through 1800.

7. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups (from Beowulf through 1800) that shaped English society and culture, in particular, focusing on those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.

Credit Details

Lecture: 3

Lab: 0

OJT: 0

MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 06 - The Humanities and Fine Arts, Goal Area 07 - Human Diversity

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies

Goal Area 06: The Humanities and Fine Arts

1. Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.

2. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.

3. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.

4. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Goal Area 07: Human Diversity

1. Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States’ history and culture.

2. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.

3. Analyze their attitudes, behaviors, concepts, and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.

4. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.

Transfer Pathway Competencies

1. ENGLISH TRANSFER PATHWAY:

Content Area 2 - A Literature Survey Course (Any Period or Combination of American and/or British Literature)

1. Demonstrate knowledge of canonical works of British/American literature

2. Demonstrate knowledge of major genres and styles in British/American literature

3. Demonstrate knowledge of major periods and historical developments in British/American literature