The course explores the development of typical medieval attitudes and themes in a variety of literary forms and genres. A survey of the poetry, prose and drama of Tudor England, including selected works of More, Sydney, Spenser, Marlowe and Shakespeare. Emphasis is placed on the narrative and dramatic features of the poetry as vehicles for the presentation of medieval attitudes and themes. A study of the major history plays, including consideration of Renaissance political theory, and of the forms and conventions of Shakespearean comedy. A study of approximately twelve tragedies, with emphasis on Shakespeare's development as a verse dramatist.
Special attention is given to the nature of tragedy.
A study of the dramatic literature written by Shakespeare's contemporaries, including Dekker, Kyd, Marlowe, Jonson, Tourneur, and Webster. A study of the development of these major genres, with illustrative works drawn from ancient, Medieval and Renaissance, as well as English and Continental authors. The course will conclude with a consideration of several medieval works reflecting Celtic influence. Advanced lecture course with discussion of works such as More's Utopia. We will scrutinize royal authority, economic stability, the Inquisition, debates over the Americas, and literary and artistic achievements as well as censorship.