In a memorable scene from Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus, the conjuror resurrects and
proceeds to question legendary figures from classical antiquity. Through the
magic of print we will attempt a similar feat, reanimating some of the famed
writers of Renaissance England: Shakespeare, Spenser, Sidney, Marlowe, Kyd,
Donne, Webster, Dekker and Middleton. Thanks to their efforts, the reign of
Elizabeth stands as a fabled, golden era in the history of English literature.
In this course, we will immerse ourselves in the cultural climate that produced
such a heady vintage of talented authors, and examine the ways their works
reflect the intellectual, political, and religious ferment of their age.
Spanning a variety of genres, from chivalric epic to pastoral romance, city
comedy to revenge tragedy, erotic to devotional verse, our readings should
provoke inquiry into a number of charged topics: nature vs. culture, gender and
sexuality, imperialism and spirituality, nationhood and selfhood. Students will
be asked to write two 5 page essays, two short reader response essays, and
participate in class and small-group discussions. A love of reading and
ruminating on great books is mandatory; doublet and hose are optional.