A historical survey of British literature from the medieval period to 1798. The course covers: the nature of the oral tradition; the blending of languages and culture; manuscript culture and the transition to print culture; the development of drama; the traditions of epic and romance; medieval, Elizabethan, Cavalier, and metaphysical poetry; and the origins of the novel. Students will examine the historical and cultural contexts underlying the literature and interpret texts through written assignments, discussion, and other activities.