English Literature – Before 1670

Unit 1 – Old English Literature

Unit 2 – Middle English Literature

Unit 3 – Renaissance Poetry

Unit 4 – Elizabethan Drama

Unit 5 – Metaphysical Poetry in English Literature

Unit 6 – Epic Poetry

Unit 7 – Sonnets and Lyric Poetry in English Lit

Unit 8 – Early Novels: Origins of Prose Fiction

Unit 9 – Religious and Devotional Texts

Unit 10 – Classical Influences on English Lit

Unit 11 – Milton's Major Works

## What do you learn in Literature in English: Through Milton

You'll explore English literature from its Anglo-Saxon roots up to John Milton's era. We'll read epic poems like Beowulf, dive into Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and analyze Shakespeare's plays. The course covers major literary movements, key authors, and the evolution of the English language. You'll also learn to interpret texts in their historical and cultural contexts.

## Is Literature in English: Through Milton hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you're not used to reading older forms of English. The language in some texts, like Beowulf or Chaucer, can feel like a whole different world. But don't worry, most profs provide modern translations alongside the originals. The workload can be heavy with lots of reading, but if you stay on top of it and engage in class discussions, you'll be fine.

## Tips for taking Literature in English: Through Milton in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Read actively: Take notes, underline key passages, and jot down questions as you go
3. Don't skip the introductions in your anthology - they provide crucial context
4. Join a study group to discuss the readings and share interpretations
5. Use online resources like SparkNotes as a supplement, not a replacement for the actual texts
6. Watch film adaptations of plays like Shakespeare's to help visualize the stories
7. Listen to audiobooks of poems like Paradise Lost to get a feel for the rhythm and meter
8. Check out "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt for a dark academia vibe that'll get you in the mood for classic lit

## Common pre-requisites for Literature in English: Through Milton

1. Introduction to Literary Analysis: This course teaches you how to read critically and write about literature. You'll learn key terms and techniques for interpreting poetry, prose, and drama.

2. British Literature Survey: This class gives you a broad overview of British literature from the Middle Ages to the present. It's a great foundation for diving deeper into specific periods and authors.

## Classes similar to Literature in English: Through Milton

1. Renaissance Literature: Focuses on the flowering of English literature during the 16th and 17th centuries. You'll read works by Shakespeare, Marlowe, Donne, and other big names from the period.

2. Medieval Literature: Dives deep into the literature of the Middle Ages, including works like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Piers Plowman. You'll learn about the social and cultural context of these texts.

3. History of the English Language: Traces the development of English from its Germanic roots to modern times. You'll learn about major sound changes, borrowings from other languages, and how historical events shaped the language.

4. Epic Poetry: Explores the tradition of epic poetry from ancient to modern times. You'll read works like Homer's Iliad, Virgil's Aeneid, and Milton's Paradise Lost, analyzing their themes and structures.

## Majors related to Literature in English: Through Milton

1. English Literature: Focuses on the study of literature written in English from various time periods and cultures. Students develop critical thinking and writing skills while exploring diverse texts and literary theories.

2. Comparative Literature: Involves studying literature across different languages, cultures, and time periods. Students learn to analyze texts in their original languages and explore connections between various literary traditions.

3. Medieval and Renaissance Studies: Combines literature, history, art, and philosophy to examine European culture from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance. Students gain a deep understanding of the intellectual and cultural developments of these periods.

4. Linguistics: Explores the scientific study of language, including its structure, evolution, and relationship to society and cognition. Students learn about phonetics, syntax, semantics, and how languages change over time.

## What can you do with a degree in Literature in English: Through Milton?

1. Teacher/Professor: Educate students about literature at various levels, from high school to university. You'll design courses, lead discussions, and help students develop critical thinking and writing skills.

2. Editor: Work in publishing to review and improve written content before publication. You'll use your keen eye for language and deep understanding of literary styles to polish manuscripts and other texts.

3. Content Writer: Create written content for websites, magazines, or marketing materials. Your strong writing skills and ability to analyze and synthesize information will be valuable in producing engaging content.

4. Librarian: Manage and organize collections of books and other media, and help patrons find information. Your knowledge of literature and research skills will be essential in curating collections and assisting library users.

## Literature in English: Through Milton FAQs

1. Do I need to memorize entire poems or plays? Usually not, but you might need to remember key quotes for exams or essays. Focus on understanding the overall themes and contexts rather than rote memorization.

2. How much reading is typically assigned per week? It varies, but expect anywhere from 50-100 pages of primary texts, plus some secondary readings. It's crucial to stay on top of the reading to participate in class discussions.

3. Are there any field trips or special events associated with this course? Some professors organize trips to see Shakespeare plays or visit rare book libraries. These aren't usually required but can be really cool experiences if you have the chance.

Literature

1.6 The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

1.5 Caedmon's Hymn

1.4 The Dream of the Rood

1.3 Old English riddles

1.2 Anglo-Saxon elegies

1.1 Beowulf

2.6 Middle English lyrics

2.5 Troilus and Criseyde

2.4 Pearl

2.3 Piers Plowman

2.2 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

2.1 The Canterbury Tales

3.6 Cavalier poets

3.5 Ben Jonson

3.4 Christopher Marlowe's poetry

3.3 Sir Philip Sidney

3.2 Edmund Spenser

3.1 Petrarchan influence

4.6 Revenge tragedy

4.5 John Webster

4.4 Thomas Kyd

4.3 Ben Jonson's plays

4.2 Christopher Marlowe's plays

4.1 William Shakespeare's plays

5.2 George Herbert

5.1 John Donne

5.3 Andrew Marvell

5.4 Richard Crashaw

5.5 Henry Vaughan

5.6 Metaphysical conceits

6.1 Paradise Lost

6.2 The Faerie Queene

6.3 Classical epic traditions

6.4 Christian epic

6.5 Heroic couplet

6.6 Blank verse in epic poetry

7.1 Shakespearean sonnet

7.2 Petrarchan sonnet

7.3 Spenserian sonnet

7.4 Sonnet sequences

7.5 Pastoral poetry

7.6 Courtly love tradition

8.1 Thomas More's Utopia

8.2 John Lyly's Euphues

8.3 Philip Sidney's Arcadia

8.6 Romance and picaresque traditions

8.5 Aphra Behn's Oroonoko

8.4 Thomas Nashe's The Unfortunate Traveller

9.1 The Book of Common Prayer

9.2 John Foxe's Book of Martyrs

9.3 King James Bible

9.4 Devotional poetry

9.5 Sermons and homilies

9.6 Spiritual autobiographies

10.1 Greek mythology in English literature

10.2 Roman poetry and English adaptations

10.3 Aristotelian poetics

10.4 Platonic philosophy in literature

10.5 Classical rhetoric

10.6 Stoicism in English Renaissance

11.1 Paradise Lost

11.2 Paradise Regained

11.3 Samson Agonistes

11.4 Lycidas

11.5 Comus

11.6 Areopagitica

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