British Literature I is the first part of a two-year sequence of courses consisting of British Literature I and British Literature II. British Literature I introduces students to British literature from its Anglo-Saxon origins up to and including the Enlightenment. Students are introduced to the historical context of the literary pieces they are reading, including social, political, and cultural history. Students also study formal aspects of literature, including word choice, literary techniques, and style. Students are taught how to read critically and to discuss and evaluate the significance and contribution of literature to human civilization.

This course if offered to Juniors with a view towards strengthening their knowledge of Literature as learnt in the Survey/Introduction classes. Brit Lit I exposes the student to the Literature of England from early times to the Augustan Period (17th -18th C). The course includes the English epics of Beowulf, Edmund Spenser and John Milton; the tragedies of Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare; Satires of John Dryden and Alexander Pope; The Metaphysical Poets; The Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer; and the Arthurian Legends. Students are taught to read and respond analytically to the texts marked for intensive study while acquiring the skills for independent analysis and criticism.

1: Norton Anthology of English Literature (Eighth edition) Vol I
2: A Dictionary of Classical Mythology A.E. Zimmermann
3: Biblical Allusions in Literature
4: A History of English Literature Fowler
5: A History of English Literature Leguis & Cazamia
6: A Brief History of England H.A.L Fischer
7: An Illustrated History of Britain David McDowell