Oakland University Course Information English 370--Literature of the Restoration and Eighteenth-Century
Winter, 2005
168 SFH, 6:30 PM
Department of English
Course Description: We'll spend the semester exploring the literature and culture of the period 1660-1789, with an emphasis upon comic drama and prose narrative. After a brief introduction to the ideas, politics, and mores of early modern England, we'll linger a while to explore what is arguably the high point in the history of English comedy (1660-1700) in the works of Wycherley, Behn and Etherege. In prose fiction, we'll trace the rise of the English novel, along with other prose narratives, through the works Bunyan, Behn, Defoe, Swift, and Equiano. We’ll also pause occasionally to read representative verse by Behn, Rochester, Dryden, and Pope. Heavy reading. Class format will largely be discussion. Students will keep a reading journal and commonplace book, write one paper (7-9 pp.), complete an assignment on reading an issue of The Gentleman’s Magazine, and submit two examinations.
Texts: Restoration and Eighteenth-Century Comedy, ed. McMillan (Norton); Moll Flanders, Defoe (Bantam); Gulliver’s Travels, Swift (Signet); The Interesting Narrative and other writings, Equiano (Penguin); Oroonoko, or the Royal Slave, Behn (Bedford); Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan (Penguin). Please obtain copies of the editions listed above so that we will all be on the same page; some of these editions contain supplemental readings which will be required. Poetry will be distributed on handouts or you will be directed to websites where the required reading is available.
Policies: Faithful attendance and regular participation in class are expected.
Students with special needs are welcome to discuss them with me. Some services for students with special needs are available through the Office of Special Advising, 144 Oakland Center.
The grade of Incomplete is available only to students who have demonstrated regular and steady progress in the course but for whom unforeseeable and uncontrollable circumstances make impossible the timely completion of the course. Students must petition in writing for a grade of incomplete.
Students suspected of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students and the Senate Committee on Academic Conduct. Cheating on any course assignment may result in failure for the course.
Classroom decorum is everybody’s responsibility. Please arrive on time and plan to stay for the full meeting. Turn your cell phone off for the duration of the class meeting. Work to create a classroom environment in which everybody feels comfortable and unthreatened. In addressing your classmates (or your instructor), in class or on the discussion list, you may argue vigorously, indeed passionately, but please maintain the same respect for others as you wish them to maintain toward you.
TEXTS: Restoration and Eighteenth-Century Comedy, ed. McMillan (Norton); Moll Flanders, Defoe (Bantam); Gulliver’s Travels, Swift (Signet); The Interesting Narrative and other writings, Equiano (Penguin); Oroonoko, or the Royal Slave, Behn (Bedford); Pilgrim’s Progress, Bunyan (Penguin). Coursepack, available from the Textbook Outlet at Squirrel and Walton. Please obtain copies of the editions listed above so that we will all be on the same page; some of these editions contain supplemental readings which will be required. Poetry will be distributed on handouts or you will be directed to websites where the required reading is available.
Some related links:
Other useful links are lurking in the reading list below.
Assignments: The following simple formula will determine your final grade.
Schedule: If class is canceled due to snow, tornado, professorial delinquency, or other uncontrollable events, please continue to read according
to the dates below. Unless we grow very weary very fast, we will adhere roughly to the following schedule:
The Comedy of the Restoration
JanuaryW 12 Orientation: What was the Restoration? When was the eighteenth century? Matters logistical, informational, and otherwise.
W 19 Rochester, "A Satyr against Reason and Mankind" and "The Imperfect Enjoyment" (WARNIING: ADULT CONTENT!) (coursepack)
Click here for more information about John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester
W 26 William Etherege, The Man of Mode (R&18thCC)
February
W 2 Behn, The Rover (R&18thCC)
Some Aphra Behn links:
W 9 Gallagher, "Introduction: Cultural and Historical Background," Oroonoko 3-13
Summary information about theories of the origins of the English novel may be found at the following links:
W 16 Test 1 is due
W 23 PP 32-143
March
W 2 Daniel Defoe, "Preface," Moll Flanders v-ix, 1-127
W 9 Winter Break!
W 16 Moll Flanders 127-258
W 23 Jonathan Swift, ""The Lady's Dressing Room" and "A Beautiful Young Nymph Going to Bed" (coursepack)
W 30 GT Books 3-4
April
W 6 Olaudau Equiano, Interesting Narrative: introduction, ix-xxx; chs 1-5, 1-112
W 13 Interesting Narrative, finis
W 20 Richard Steele, The Conscious Lovers (R&18thCC)
W 27 Test 2 is due, 7:00-10:00 PM, 521 WH
Th 28 and afterwards: Have happy, polite, civil, and sociable lives!
Return to Brian Connery's Home Page