Studying literature is the way we find out about the human condition. It is the way in which we realize that we are not alone in the challenges we face. It is the way for people all over the world to share experiences, ideas, hopes, dreams and distress. When we study literature we are studying ourselves. We are discovering who we were and who we want to become.
This course begins with Beowulf and ends with the Restoration and Enlightenment. That means we study the years 449CE-1798CE. That is a lot of years and a lot of changes to the English language.
You may be asking why British Literature? Well, why not? Actually, Brit Lit had a major influence on American Literature. So, in one way it is a way to dig deeper into one aspect of the founding of the United States.
Another reason is that during the time of Queen Victoria (reign 1837 -1901), Britain was the largest empire on the Earth. Her influence, for good or bad, was across the world. Consequently, there is pretty much no region in the world that was not influenced by British culture.
Through the poetry, plays and stories in British Literature, we will discover how society dealt with wars, heroes, technology, change and love. This is our chance to see the world through a different point of view.
So, join me on this journey through time. I bet there is something in this adventure for everyone!