Department of English

This seminar will explore how early modern English contact with different parts of the non-European world �re-orient� our perspective on inter-cultural relations, �race� and colonialism in the period, and also allow us to re-think certain tenets of post-colonial theory and contemporaries theories of race. The class will bring together the materials generated by North Africa and the East, but we�ll also read literature concerning the New World, Ireland and Jews in order to see the differences and overlaps between them. We will also explore about the relationship between travel literature and the theater, and their contribution to the emergence of a public sphere in early modern England. Besides vigorous weekly participation in the seminars, members of the seminar will be required to complete the following assignments: 1) a 15 minute formal oral presentation, 2) a 5-10 page short paper, and 3) a 20+ page end of semester research paper. Fulfils 1, 5 and 6 requirements. Most readings are in the course packet, or online for you to print out and bring to class (all relevant materilas should be brought to the seminar). Other readings are available at the bookstore. Please check this schedule carefully in advance to check. I have also put a large number of books on reserve for ease of access. In addition, we will be using EEBO (Early English Books Online) to access primary materials, and for you to feel comfortable with archival research in the period. The course packet will be available December 10 at Wharton reprographics. Books have already been ordered at Benn Book Center, 34th and Sansom. Please contact them aboiut availability. I would like the class to have read the Gillies and Howard essays for the first session. Other materials for that session will be made available as photocopies in class.