This semester starts with the Romantic Period (1798-1832) and ends with The Modern Era (1901-present). In Unit 2 you will be writing a research paper on some aspect of British Literature. We read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley in Unit 3. Unit 4 is the Victorian Age, which is filled with industrialization and technological advancements. Unit 5 is the Modern Era and the second portfolio for the class, The Literary Analysis.
The Romantic Period - Unit 1
The Romantic poets saw a world that was changing. Britain was industrializing and farmland was being transitioned to factory campuses. Pollution was uncontrolled and they were burning lots of coal and dumping waste into the rivers. There were no laws to regulate the work environment, nor were there child labor laws. Children as young as 4 were working as chimney sweeps. Poverty was extreme, with many living on the streets or forced to sell their children. The poets used these circumstances to write about a world they longed for and to address social injustice. |
The Research Paper
The research paper is due in Unit 2. Having said that, I encourage you to start now. The section message board has the entire research packet and calendar.
The topic is British literature. There are many ways to approach this topic. 1. Eras - Each of the sections we have studied has looked at British literature by era. If one of these historical time periods interests you, then explore the authors, writings, and events of that time period. 2. Authors - Is there one author that we have read whose work has touched you in some way? This would be a good time to explore that individual's body of work. 3. Piece of literature - Many of the great novels, both historically and contemporary, are written by British authors. If there is one that you find engrossing, use that as the basis for your research. Please see the list of novels I posted on the section message board. Using notecards is a great way to organize your research. If you have any questions about this process, please call me and I can help you. |
There are two great sites for working with British Literature.
One is the Poetry site linked in the button under Romantics.
The second is the British Library. The button below takes you to the main education website. From there you just search for your topic.
One is the Poetry site linked in the button under Romantics.
The second is the British Library. The button below takes you to the main education website. From there you just search for your topic.
Take a literary tour of London
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