Learning outcomes

Understand the evolution of literature in English in its various linguistic, political, social... contexts spanning the period 600-1660. Develop a sensitivity to the complexity of literature (genres, media, ideology, reception, etc.). Acquire the technical vocabulary of literary studies. Construct the foundations of a sound cultural literacy and literary erudition. Improve the students' knowledge of the English language in a wide range of uses, stylistic and historical variants, and help them to achieve level B1 (ELP).

Goals

See "Learning Outcomes".

Content

The course traces the evolution of literature in English from its Anglo-Saxon origins to the Restoration (1660), aiming to understand it in its multiple historical contexts. The material is divided into three chapters: the Anglo-Saxon Period (including Beowulf), the Middle English Period (including Chaucer's Canterbury Tales), and the Renaissance (including Shakespeare). Several poems and excerpts are used for illustration, and links are made to contemporary culture.

Table of contents

Introduction: Space - Introduction: Time - Introduction: What came before

(1) 400-1066: Old English Literature


  • Anglo-Saxon culture: The general context
  • Anglo-Saxon literature: The wider picture
  • "Caedmon's Hymn" (7th c.): An example of religious poetry
  • Beowulf (8th c.): An example of the secular epic
  • King Alfred (9th c.): An example of Old English prose

(2) 1066-1485: Middle English Literature


  • Middle English literature: The general context
  • Latin: A continuing presence
  • French: A new language, a new literary culture
  • The resilience of English
  • Chaucer (1343-1400): The final breakthrough of English
  • Medieval English drama

(3) The Renaissance


  • Renaissance: Basic political facts
  • Renaissance: Main concepts and features
  • The Reformation
  • Humanism and classically inspired genres
  • Drama
  • The sonnet
  • Lyrical poetry in the seventeenth century

Teaching methods

Taught lectures involving active participation of the students, who will have previously studied the relevant chapter or the text in the "coursebook" indicated in advance. The teacher briefly summarises the main ideas of the section under study; questions are asked and answers given in both directions; additional examples and more food for thought are provided. Given the teacher's interactive approach it is imperative for students to prepare lectures in advance.

Assessment method

For students in Germanic languages and literatures: oral exam (20 minutes, in English, question sheet drawn at random, preparation time 20 minutes).

For other students: written examination (no open book).

Detailed information on both exams (including a model of the question sheet) will be posted on WebCampus.

 

Sources, references and any support material

Emma-Louise Silva, Cultural History of Literature in English: 600-1660 (University of Namur), available at "Réprographie"

No specific readings beyond this coursebook are required, but students are encouraged to enhance their personal understanding.

 

Language of instruction

English