Time Schedule:
Louisa Mackenzie
C LIT 508
Seattle Campus
Literary criticism and theory from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance through the eighteenth century to, but not including, Kant. Offered: jointly with ENGL 508.
Class description
Class cross-listed: English 508, Comp Lit 508, French 576.
An introductory survey of some of the foundational texts of Western literary practice and theory from the middle ages and early modern periods. Texts will not be limited to "literary theory" per se (aesthetics, philosophy, poetics, etc.), but will include a range of texts influential in political, religious and scientific spheres. Thus, this class might better be categorised under the rubric of "History of Ideas". Authors include Machiavelli, Erasmus, Calvin and Luther, Descartes, Sidney, Bacon, Locke, Rousseau.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Small seminar-style.
Recommended preparation
Readings will all be available in a course reader. You MUST be prepared for class by reading assigned material.
Class assignments and grading
Regular and active participation is expected of all students. There will be one oral presentation, one abstract (1-2 pages), one annotated bibliography (2 pages) and one final paper (10-15 pages). Students will also bring reading questions to class.
