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The Romantic era is one of the richest periods in literary and cultural history. It stands out for its expression of deep, authentic emotions, its celebration of the individual's subjective experience, its profound exploration of nature and the sublime, and its reverence for creativity and the artist. The influence of this era has left an indelible mark on later periods, and much of our literary and cultural heritage can be traced to this vibrant time and its remarkable writers and artists, whose appeal endures to this day.
In this seminar, we will examine key writers and works of the era, exploring central themes, concepts, images, and narratives that define Romanticism. While some theoretical texts will help us grapple with the complex ideas encompassed by the term "Romanticism," the focus will be on close readings of prose, drama, and, most notably, poetry.
Authors we will study include but are not limited to: William Wordsworth, William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Charlotte Smith, Lord Byron, Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats.
Required Texts:
Please obtain a copy of the 1818 version of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. The edition below is recommended if you are purchasing a copy. All other texts will be available on Moodle. Additionally, Duncan Wu’s Romanticism Anthology (currently in its 5th edition, though earlier editions are also acceptable) includes many of the works we will be reading and is highly recommended for students of English literature.
Recommended Editions:
- Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein: The 1818 Text. Penguin, 2018.
- Wu, Duncan, editor. Romanticism. 5th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2020.
Please note that the seminar will take place from 14 April to 23 June, and each of the 9 sessions will be held for two full hours, from 5:15 to 7:15 pm. |
