230274 The History of British Literature from 1800 (S) (WiSe 2005/2006)

This class will look at the major English language texts and periods in the history of British literature, starting with the major Romantic writers and bringing the story right up to the beginning of the 21st century.

Sessions will be divided between the discussion of the set text (which I recommend students to read in the long vacation; for details see below) and the close reading of selected passages from primary literature, which will be made available in a Reader.

A special focus will be on two major periods that have been particularly rich in, and characteristic of, British literature in English: Romantic literature (late 18th century to 1830); and Modernism (late 19th century to c. 1930).

Credits and Requirements:
All students are expected to offer active and regular participation. In addition, they will write two brief reports summarising German-language texts, one on British history, the other on British literature. This exercise is meant among other things to give them valuable practice for the Proficiency Test.

Set Text:
Pat Rogers ed., The Oxford Illustrated History of English Literature. OUP 1987; chapters six to 9. This edition will be used in class.
There is also an edition without illustrations, P. Rogers ed., An Outline of English Literature. OUP 1992.