Course Description

Examines major British texts from the Anglo-Saxon period to the 18th century, emphasizing the ideas and characteristics of the British literary tradition. Involves critical reading and writing. ENG 243 has been designated as a “writing intensive” course according to standards developed by the English department. Prerequisite: ENG 112 or its equivalent. ENG 243 and ENG 244 may be taken out of order. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

ENG 243 develops skills in critical literacy, provides opportunities for self-expression, and promotes understanding of British texts from the Anglo-Saxon period to the 18th century, emphasizing the critical ideas and traditions of the British literary tradition. As a writing intensive course, ENG 243 will provide specific instruction in writing, especially literary analysis, and substantial written and oral feedback on formal writing, with the opportunity to revise at least one formal paper. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have produced at least 12 pages (3000 words) of formal writing, including academic essays and essay exam responses, and at least 12 pages (3000 words) of informal writing, including reading responses or journal entries.

Course Objectives

• Describe, analyze, and interpret themes and features of literary texts from a variety of genres, using appropriate literary terminology
  
• Demonstrate knowledge of the literary movements covered in the survey, including literary techniques, innovations, major writers, and major texts
  
• Explain the relationship between literature and the historical and cultural contexts in which it is produced, with particular attention to the shaping of cultural identities as reflected in the literature
  
• Produce at least 12 pages (a minimum of 3000 words) of formal writing, including academic essays and essay examinations, and at least 12 pages (a minimum of 3000 words) of informal writing, including reading responses or journal entries; academic writing about literature should include clear argumentation and organization, valid textual evidence for support, and correct documentation
  
• Participate in interactive discussions, peer reviews, and/or one or more formal individual and/or group multi-modal presentations
  
• Locate and evaluate information retrieved from electronic sources, such as academic databases and web resources
  
• Use available electronic technologies for creating and submitting texts
  
• Recognize literary study as a means for intellectual, aesthetic, and personal growth and
  for engaging meaningful and enduring questions across human cultures

Major Topics to be Included

Students may expect to study the following:

• British literary tradition, including fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction, beginning with the Anglo-Saxon period and moving to the 18th century
  
• Social, political and cultural movements from which the literature emerges
  
• Issues relevant to the development of English drama and poetry, the development of the English language, the context of political and social texts, and the growth of fiction writing

Prerequisites

English 112. Students must successfully pass ENG 112 (or its transfer equivalent) before they can enroll in this course. Students who earned a “D” in ENG 112 are strongly advised to repeat that course before continuing on to 200-level literature courses.