Course Content Summary
Course Prefix and Number -- Course Title
ENG 243: Survey of English Literature I (3 cr.)
VCCS Course Description
Studies major English works from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present, emphasizing ideas and
characteristics of the British literary tradition. Involves critical reading and writing. Prerequisite
ENG 112 or divisional approval. Part I of II. Lecture 3 hours per week. ENG 243 examines
major English works from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Age of Reason, emphasizing ideas and
characteristics of the British literary tradition. Involves critical reading and writing.
General Course Purpose
ENG 243 offers students the opportunity to learn about the history of the English Language and to
read, react to, and attempt to understand great works of literature by authors from Great Britain.
Understanding literary terms aids students in learning how to read, relate to, and write about
literature. Lecture, discussion, and an oral presentation will balance writing assignments.
Course Prerequisites
Prerequisite: ENG 112
ENG 243 and 244 need not be taken in sequence.
Course Outcomes
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
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understand works of literature in their historical/cultural context
interact with selections as critical readers
develop a vocabulary of literary terms
increase skills to write effectively about literature
explore past themes of selected works of literature and examine the relevance of these
themes today
Major Topics to be Included
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Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Norman literature, works such as Beowulf, Lanval, Sir Gawain
and the Green Knight
Departmental Approval: Spring 2014
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Chaucer
The Sixteenth Century, authors such as Sidney, Marlowe, Raleigh,
Shakespeare
Donne
Metaphysical and Cavalier poets such as Jonson, Lovelace, Herrick, Marvell
John Milton
The Restoration and Eighteenth Century, authors such as Pope, Swift, Grey
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Departmental Approval: Spring 2014