An introduction to the graduate program in English, a thorough study of the principal tools of literary scholarship and a consideration of the objectives of literary research and the profession of college English teaching. A study of various critical approaches to literary texts and other texts through recent developments in the theory of language and literature. An intensive study of a narrowly-defined topic in criticism and theory. Emphasis on Chaucer's major writings, including Troilus and Criseyede and The Canterbury Tales, studied in relation to social, cultural, political, artistic and religious contexts of the Middle Ages and the 20th century. The poetry of England from the late fifteenth to the late seventeenth century, excluding Milton.
Special emphasis is placed on metaphysical poets.
Major figures will vary from year to year. A study of representative works from drama, poetry, fiction and essays of the period. A survey of significant writers and genres from 1780-1830. A specialized study of selected authors, texts and genres from 1780-1830. Concentration on major figures will vary from year to year.