This introductory survey of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century British
literature will explore how writers responded to immense social changes in an
era of global exploration, religious conflict, and political revolution. Above all, the writers of this period questioned what gives one person or nation the right to govern other people and nations. As we read a range of works including John Milton?s Paradise Lost, Alexander Pope?s The Rape of the Lock, Aphra Behn?s Oroonoko and Jonathan Swift?s Gulliver?s Travels, we
will explore and evaluate multiple answers to this overarching question.

By situating seventeenth- and eighteenth-century British poetry, drama, and prose in its social context, this class will explore the relationship between literature and history while also honing your analytical skills. Course requirements will include a midterm and final examination and two short papers.