English Romanticism

DESCRIPTION:
Study of English Romantic poetry and prose with emphasis on the aesthetic and philosophical foundations of English Romanticism.

RATIONALE: 
This course examines works of major English Romantic writers by situating them in their historical context of rapid social change and violent political upheavals. The course offers students the opportunity to recognize the extent to which the Romantic movement of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries transformed British culture and had profound implications for a modern understanding of the self, nature, reason, freedom, and the role of artist as interpreter of all these. Emphasis is placed on the philosophical and theoretical concepts that inform Romanticism, as well as on the broad scope of literary forms

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical and cultural context of English Romanticism;
2. Analyze through close reading major authors and texts of English Romanticism;
3. Demonstrate ability to collect and select appropriate secondary material, and use the research material in support of textual analysis of representative works of English Romantic literature;
4. Evaluate and compare various thematic perspectives and styles within English Romanticism;
5. Analyze key themes, topics, and debates that emerge in Romantic texts.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
1. Lectures, class discussions, workshop-style pair work and group work during class meetings;
2. Formative exercises and online learning tasks through the Blackboard online tools designed to help students acquire confidence and benefit from independent study;
3. Additional print and audiovisual educational material posted on the Blackboard course template;
4. Timely instructor feedback on assignments;
5. Other relevant educational material placed on reserve in the library;
6. Individualized assistance during office hours for further discussion of lecture material, additional reading, assignments and examinations;
7. Close collaboration with the Library and SASS to encourage students’ effective use of academic support services;
8. Discussion of disciplinary research methods and tools to facilitate the completion of assigned research projects.