1:25P-2:15P MWF (30) 3 cr

Extensive, intensive study of Milton, with some discussion too on
how and where to place him in the various controversies of his
age. We'll start with SAMSON AGONISTES, to get a feel for the
poet, and then backtrack to pick up important early poems, some
of the crucial prose, and then, PARADISE LOST and PARADISE
REGAINED. At least two essays, one of which will be an analysis
(including scansion -- to be taught in the class) of a sonnet and
the other a later, longer paper (6 to 8 pages) on one of the
major poems. An hour exam on PARADISE LOST before we start
discussing it in class (so that everyone will have similar
knowledge of the poem in subsequent discussion), and a final
exam. Much class discussion; in fact, class will be conducted
completely in discussion format, with suitable opportunity for
expression of bewilderment and outrage. Text will be Hughes's
edition of Milton's THE COMPLETE POEMS AND MAJOR PROSE (Odyssey
Press).