Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - ENGL 211 D100

The Place of the Past (3)

Class Number: 2221

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    12 units or one 100-division English course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines literature and language within specific social, cultural, geographical, and textual environments to explore the mutually informing relationship between history and text. May be further organized by historical period, genre, or critical approach. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Theatre and Social Change in Restoration and Eighteenth-Century England

Upon dethroning King Charles I and seizing power in 1642, Oliver Cromwell closed (and later burnt down) all public theatres in London. So when the monarchy was restored in 1660, stunning changes took place in the theatre world. We will study this extraordinary time (1660-1800) in English theatre history, when Charles II patronized the stage, many comedies celebrated libertines and taunted cuckolds, tragedies frequently relived the deposition of the king, heroes and heroines courted through masquerade, and actresses first appeared on the public stage. Reading plays by such authors as Aphra Behn, Susannah Centlivre, William Congreve, John Dryden, David Garrick, Elizabeth Inchbald, George Etherege, Nathaniel Lee, George Lillo, and John Vanbrugh will show us how theatre both drove and reflected the manifold social changes of the era.

 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Upon completing this course, students will be able to identify how theatre changed over the course of the Restoration and eighteenth century, and how it reflected changes in English society. Students will have analyzed the readings verbally and in writing, and they will demonstrate their breadth and depth of knowledge and their ability to identify, analyze, and synthesize plays in the final exam.

Grading

  • tutorial attendance and participation 10%
  • tutorial presentation 10%
  • exam 1 (in class) 25%
  • exam 2 (in class) 25%
  • final exam 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

The textbook is available at the SFU bookstore. Make sure to buy this particular edition.

REQUIRED READING:

The Broadview Anthology of Restoration and Eighteenth-Century Drama, 2 ed, ed. Diana Solomon and David Weston
ISBN: 9781554815746

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.