Description:

We will approach the expanding field of eighteenth-century texts from the perspectives of representation and genre, by studying a variety of literary forms in poetry and prose in Britain from 1660 to 1790. These include three dominant modes of representation in this period: personification, satire, and neoclassicism --the imitation and emulation of ancient Greek and Latin literature from the classical period-- and several prominent genres in verse and prose, including sermons and devotional writing, literary criticism, elegies and epitaphs. Eighteenth-century writers were constantly reevaluating what should count as literature, so we will explore the way forms for writing poetry and prose allowed authors to innovate carefully while remaining anchored in tradition; how men and women writers handled the same modes of representation and genres; which works were popular and why, and why some have survived better than others. Throughout the readings we will learn the importance of the rhetorical principle of decorum, of choosing a fit style for different subjects and audiences. Though we will not include the novel or drama, we will consider other kinds of shorter prose fiction and nonfiction. We will study the works of writers from a century rich in intellectual range and from which we have inherited some abiding interests.

Prerequisite = Sophomore standing

Learning Outcomes:

• recognize the features of selected eighteenth-century modes of representation and genres
• formulate useful questions and cogent arguments about eighteenth-century literature
• express literary interpretations in focused, coherent writing
• produce a creative project reflecting individual skills and interests
  
• apply literary interpretation effectively
  
• evaluate current criticism independently

Required Text: NCSU Bookstore

Demaria, Robert ed. British Literature 1640-1789: An Anthology. Third Edition. $49.95 list new.

• Participation: 20%  (preparation, consistency, contribution to discussions @ 10% + quizzes @ 10 %:  individual quizzes are graded with a number, correct answers over total questions. You then end up with a ratio of your total quiz points earned over total possible quiz points. This converted to a letter grade scale by dividing the total quiz points offered by 4 (for the equal ranges of A B C D); your earned points then fall in a given grade range.)
  
• Paper 1: Close-reading  paper 15%
  
• Paper 2: Written imitation or parody 10%
  
• Paper 3: Critical review of current published essay  20%
  
• Creative Project  10%
• Final Exam worth 25%
  

Late papers are accepted only one class late, and with full grade penalty. Any papers arriving later than that will not be accepted. Papers are due at the start of class, in class, printed out on paper.

How I Figure Your Grades

You must complete all the required work to pass the class. No opting out of assigned work.  I will grade plus/minus.

Percentages for each required graded category are figured via a percentage of a 12-pt. scale in which an A+ =12 and
an F=0 points. For example, a B+ on paper 1 (close-reading) would net you 9 x .15 or 1.35 points toward the final 12.  Or, a C in participation nets you 5 x .20 or 1.0, an A on the final exam nets you 11 x .25 or 2.75 points.
I then add up the percentage points for each required category to determine your grade from 0 to 12.  For example, an 8.0 through 8.9 final score = B for the class.

Expected participation: come to class on time, with the appropriate texts, having read and thought about them enough to have something specific and intelligent to say or write about them. There will be quizzes to check that you are doing the readings.

            Box 7509, 515-7653. http://www.ncsu.edu/dso/

Academic Integrity Assumption
Universities are unique communities committed to creating and transmitting knowledge. They depend on freedom - individuals' freedom to explore ideas and to explore and further their own capabilities. Those freedoms depend on the good will and responsible behavior of all the members of the community, who must treat each other with tolerance and respect. They must allow each other to develop the full range of their capabilities and take full advantage of the institution's resources.