Fall 2018 - ENGL 410W D100
Topics in Early Modern English Non-Dramatic Literature (4)
Class Number: 4618
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Torsten Kehler
tkehler@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
One of ENGL 304, 306, 310, 311, 313 or 315.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The study of selected works of Early Modern poetry and prose written in English, and situated in their cultural context. May be organized by author, genre, or critical approach. Reserved for English honors, major, joint major and minor students. Students with credit for ENGL 410 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
COURSE DETAILS:
"Loathsome canker" or "sweetest bud"?: Love in Shakespeare's Sonnets
Many students are familiar with individual Shakespeare sonnets. However, what is startling is just how different these sonnets appear when read in context (that is, read in sequence, as opposed to read in isolation). Reading the sonnets in order — keeping in mind that we can only offer educated guesses as to the “proper” order — reveals a far deeper cynicism about love than one might expect, given the colloquial understanding of these poems. In them, love is consistently seen as a threat to agency and personal (cognitive and emotional) identity. Many sonnets have a strong undercurrent of frustration, rivalry, loss and mockery, all of which combine to yield a profound cynicism about the value of love.
We will start by reading a few love poems by the Roman poet Catullus, not because Shakespeare knew his work (though it seems some of Shakespeare’s peers did) but because Catullus and Shakespeare share an affinity for undercutting platitudes about love. Both poets move away from idealism towards a more realistic appraisal of love and its value. Both poets also focus not on love as happiness (joy, etc.) but on love as shot through with uncertainty, bitterness, sadness and regret. They also effectively link love to loss and finitude (death).
The goal of the course is to read approximately two thirds of the 154 sonnets (meaning: we may not reach the Dark Lady sonnets). Students must be prepared to attend consistently and read six or more sonnets very carefully per week, in preparation for the classes. This will mean at least 8 hours of reading per week. While we will attend to questions of meter and rhyme scheme, these will not be our primary focus; nor will biographical speculation be our concern. There are a number of excellent editions available but we will use Don Paterson's edition of Shakespeare’s Sonnets, because of his thorough commentary. (We may not agree with his commentary but they are a solid starting point.) Students must buy these books. Students must also buy Ronald de Sousa’s little book on love, Love: A Very Short Introduction. (I will supply you with the relevant Catullus poems.)
Grading
NOTES:
First essay preceded by short in-class thesis presentation* (6-8 pages) 40%
Second essay preceded by short in-class thesis presentation* (6-8 pages) 40%
* Students will plan and draft an introduction to their essay which they will read to the Seminar. The class will discuss these, and your instructor will read them and provide feedback, prior to the writing of the final draft of the paper.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Photocopies will be sold at cost. This shouldn't amount to more than a couple of dollars.
REQUIRED READING:
Love: A Very Short Introduction, Ronald de Sousa. Oxford University Press, 2015.
ISBN: 978-0199663842
Reading Shakespeare's Sonnets: A New Commentary, Don Paterson. Faber and Faber, London, 2010.
ISBN: 978-0571245055
Department Undergraduate Notes:
IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.
For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS