British Literature

Syllabus

1.  Introductory lecture: Beowulf, Chaucer, alžbětinské drama a poezie      Reading assignment: William Shakespeare: Sonnet 130

2. Introductory lecture: English Renaissance      Reading assignment – Thomas More: Utopia (4 excerpts)

3. Introductory lecture: Neoclassicism – political satire      Reading assignment – Jonathan Swift: Modest Proposal

4. Introductory lecture: Romantism vs social satirea      Reading assignment – Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice (audio synopsis plus excerpts)

5. Introductory lecture: British realism – social critique      Reading assignment – Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol

6. Introductory pnáška: British realism II      Reading assignment – W.M. Thackeray: Vanity Fair  (filmová adaptace + výňatky)

7.  Introductory lecture: British comedy of manners      Reading assignment – Oscar Wilde: The Importace of Being Earnest

8.  Lecture: Modernism      Reading assignment – James Joyce: Eveline

9.  Introductory lecture: Modern British short story      Reading assignment – Roald Dahl: The Wish, Edward the Conqueror

10. Introductory lecture: Political Alegory      Reading assignment – Georgie Orwell: Animal Farm

11.     Introductory lecture: Multicultural Britain      Reading assignment –Hanif Kureishi: My Son the Fanatic

12. Introductory lecture: Postmodernsm      Reading assignment – Ian McEwan: Atonement (film adaptation + 4 excertps)

Annotation

Course Profile: This one-semester course aims to make the students acquainted with a representative sample of British literature, from Renaissance and Neoclassicism through late 20th century literature. The course consists of a very brief introductory lecture, followed by a close-reading session.

Credit Requirements: 80% attendance (2 unexplained absences are permissible);

Term paper: 500-800 words

A brief conversation based on the essay and follow-up questions which the students receive in advance (2 days prior the exam). This oral examination may not be necessary if the student's class participation has been excellent throughout the semester.