In addition, we will read some famous prose and one classic play. Many great novels of this period have been made into films, and I encourage you to watch as many of these films as possible. I will only have time to show us two or three and a few selected scenes and documentaries. To be successful in this class, you need to not only read all of the material, but understand it. This means using a dictionary and, on occasion, an encyclopedia.
British literature uses a vast, precise, vivid vocabulary.
Without learning the meaning of many of these words that are never used in common American speech, it is impossible to understand or appreciate many sentences of prose or stanzas of poetry. Once you improve your vocabulary, reading and enjoying literature becomes much easier. A good vocabulary is one of the great advantages you can gain from this course. During our first class we will determine what we will give participation points for. I have already specified a few basic things that will receive points below.