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Fall 2005

 This term the course will focus on seventeenth century literary texts in their political and social contexts.  Special attention will be paid to the Civil War and how its causes, events and after-effects are reflected in English Literature.

(cartoon reproduced at choosingsides_03.shtml)

We will meet for this course on Thursdays at 1340 in room Z19-A

The success of our classes will largely depend upon the preparation that you have made.  30% of the final grade comes from your research and the knowledge you bring to class as a result of it. 

The 17th century in England was a heterogeneous, turbulent time with surprisingly modern characteristics combined with strangely medieval remainders - there is something there for everyone.  Please read widely and enjoy investigating all the arts and sciences of this time: some of the most important scientific and technological discoveries were made in this period, and often in England -  subjects such as growth of medical knowledge and its effects of literature, for instance, are worth investigating; 17thc music is important and quite bearable;  at last English painting came up to European standards in this period (largely through importing our painters, though), and for the first time we can see the faces of those we read about in the expanding field of portraiture; and later in the century gardening and horticulture  become important, combining an interest in plants introduced from the earlier explorations with the growing scientific approach to the world around - plus delight in new tastes and textures for the table.