History of British Literature

This lecture series will introduce you to the development of British literature from the Renaissance through to the Enlightenment, Romantic and Victorian Periods, ending up with a brief consideration of some contemporary writers. We will discuss the problems of periodization and canonization (touching on questions of authority, gender, and enthnicity), colonization and Postcolonialism, literary interpretation and literary influences. Besides, we will pay attention to some of the major historical events which provide the context to the works listed on our Institute’s Reading List. By the end of the term, students should have a survey knowledge of British Literature, and be able to prepare their personal reading lists for the Literature I exam.