English 201 is a requirement for most English majors. Students who will be taking the English 200-203 series are urged to take English 201 first, although following the chronological sequence is not mandatory. English 201 is an intensive survey of important literary works from the 14th through the 17th century. This course introduces students to early periods of English literary history. Assignments will include selections from Chaucer's *Canterbury Tales*, several plays by Shakespeare, and Milton's *Paradise Lost*. In addition, samples from some other writers will be discussed. The English department offers several sections of this important course each semester to ensure that the classes will be small.
As an alternative to the English 201 requirement, students may take *two* courses, one in medieval literature (such as English 20, offered this semester) and one in Renaissance literature (such as 101, 235, 231, etc.).