11:15a-12:05p MWF (30) 3 cr.
This course has two aims: first, to promote an understanding of the
major genres that
characterize Elizabethan poetry (introduced by Sir Philip Sidney in
his Defense of
Poesy) together with the historical and cultural contexts that
gave rise to them;
secondly, to foster an appreciation of the values, conventions, and
techniques in the poetry
that represents those major genres. To these ends, we will examine a
range of poetry
produced during this period within each major genre, beginning with
examples of pastoral
poetry and including examples of mythological poetry, complaints,
lyrics (including various
sonnet cycles), and satires, and concluding with heroic poetry, as
exemplified by a
significant portion of Spenser's Fairie Queene.
Because much of the work of this course will be carried on through
class discussion and
other class activities, regular attendance and participation will be
required. Also
required will be a series of informal "first pass" writing exercises,
two formal papers,
unannounced quizzes, and a final, comprehensive exam.