GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

The objectives are to introduce English literature in the historical context and provide a general knowledge of literature for foreign students.

Students will study facts and ideas of English literature, learn how to read literary works, and widen the cultural frame of reference around the English speaking world.

Will be able to gain “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

English Literature is a fuzzy and unfamiliar subject to most Japanese students. In this course, the approach to literature is traditional. Students will acquire basic knowledge of literary terms, works, authors, literary movements, and its history. Commentary will be made on various related aspects about Britain, including race, religion, region, society, political ideas, and so on, to help students have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the works. At the same time, students will consider how ideas about literature and its interpretations have changed in post-war Britain, which lost India, went through drastic shifts and changes, and became more multi-racial and multi-cultural. Reference will be made to the critical theories and the more controversial issues, such as post-colonialism, nations, globalisation, and ethnicity. Students will read literary works, see film adaptations, and have discussions.
Feedback will be given through Hoppii. Please note that the teaching approach may vary according to which threat level we are at: at level 1, 70% of this course will be held on campus, though at level 2, 50% will be held on campus.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction

Course overview

2[対面/face to face]：English Literature for Students of the English Language

Merits of learning English literature. How the English language is indebted to English literature.

3[対面/face to face]：History

Timeline of English literature

4[対面/face to face]：Genre 1: Poetry

The definition of poetry. How to read poems.

5[対面/face to face]：Genre 2: Play

The differences between drama and other literary forms

6[対面/face to face]：Genre 3: Novel

Novels, from realism to postmodernism

7[対面/face to face]：Course Review
Mid-term Examination

Course review,
student inquiries, and discussion
Written examination

8[対面/face to face]：Beowulf and Chaucer

Two major undercurrents in English literature

9[対面/face to face]：Film Adaptations of English Literature

An appreciation of literary works in British films

10[対面/face to face]：William Shakespeare

His plays and their place in the history of literature

11[対面/face to face]：John Milton

Puritanism and Paradise Lost

12[対面/face to face]：Romanticism and Literature in the Victorian Age

Literature in the age of Industrial Revolution and imperialism

13[対面/face to face]：Literature in the 20th Century

From T. S. Eliot to Salman Rushdie

14[対面/face to face]：Course Review
End-term Examination

Course review,
student inquiries, and discussion
Written examination

Students are expected to read materials as instructed and prepare for class. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

No textbooks will be used. Handouts and reading materials will be provided by the lecturer.

Thornley, G. C. and G. Roberts. (1984). An Outline of English Literature. London: Longman.
Poplawski, Paul. (ed) (2008). English Literature in Context: From medieval to modern literature - an essential student resource. Cambridge: CUP.
Birch, Dinah. (ed) (2009).The Oxford Companion to English Literature. Oxford: OUP.
Cuddon, J. A. (1999). Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory. London: Penguin.
Eaglestone, Robert. (2009). Doing English: A Guide for Literature Students. London: Routledge.

Evaluation will be based on class participation (30%), a writing assignment (20%), and exams (50%). More than two unexcused absences will result in failure of the course.

Students will be encouraged to read literary works and find a favourite author.

None.