The Rise of The Novel Engl 251

 

 The course is designed to provide students with the origins and early development as well as the fundamentals of the English Novel. Thus, it introduces students to some of the major English novels of the eighteenth century starting with Robinson Crusoe (1719), it moves chronologically through the century, examining the development of fiction through such representative works as Pride and Prejudice (1812).Our primary emphasis will be on close reading and discussion of the two novels. The course also discusses relevant intellectual issues as well as features of eighteenth century novel in relation of its social and political issues through discussing two or more representative novels. We will cover the basics of understanding literature through analysis of character, setting, narrative style, and cultural significance. By examining these novels in depth, we’ll gain knowledge of the themes and literary techniques that are defining the novel as a genre today.  Attention is also paid to current approaches in criticism, represented by a selection of critical essays.