This class can coordinate with my European History course if desired.  

This 8 week semester course (the 1st in a 4 part series) will explore British Literature of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.  We will trace the development of this literature into the Renaissance and early modern period.  This course will explore the historical context for each piece, as well as the literary features of the writings.  We will read a variety of genres of writing from the most significant British writers of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.  Our focus each week will be a particular author or piece as representative of each greater literary movement.  Students will be expected to read outside of class and come to class prepared to discuss their reading.  There will be writing assignments each week that students can submit for additional feedback and assessment.  This class is perfect for literary lovers, history lovers, or anyone just curious about British history and literary culture. 

I highly recommend you take my Literary Analysis Essay writing class prior or concurrent to this class to develop your literary analysis writing skills.  The British literature series (4 parts) + literary analysis, can work towards the AP English Literature course and test.

From a former student, "Your literature classes really prepared me well for college but also continued developing my critical thinking skills, world view, and love of learning."

Week 1-Geoffrey Chaucer

Week 2-Thomas Malory

Week 3-Philip Sidney

Week 4-Edmund Spenser

Week 5-Shakespeare Sonnets

Week 6-Shakespeare Hamlet

Week 7-John Donne

Week 8-John Milton