Department of English

Writings on globalization regularly suggest that the early modern period is the moment of the first global world system. This course will examine this moment via English literature, travel writing, and other contemporary materials, as well as critical work on early modern contact with different parts of the world. We will also consider how modern global relations have shaped our view of the early modern world, and, possibly, vice-versa. For this reason, representations of Islam will provide a consistent thread in these histories, but the aim of the course is to consider the overlaps and differences between paradigms, images, and theories generated by contact with Africa, America and the East.

An advance syllabus with readings is now available at the graduate office.