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Satire

ENGL 241.910
instructor(s):
MTWR 1-2:35

This course will explore satire from its origins in Greek and Roman literature through the present day, with an emphasis on the major satirists of the long 18th century. Starting with Horace and Juvenal, we will trace satiric theory and practice in early modern formal verse satire, Menippean or prose satire of various kinds, and forms of satiric allegory, burlesque, parody, and travesty. Then we will study a selection of British and American works to see how satire shifts into various new forms and media, such as graphic caricature, cartoon and film. Authors and artists may include Horace, Thomas More, Lord Rochester, Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, William Hogarth, Samuel Johnson, Lord Byron, Jane Austen, Thomas Carlyle, Mark Twain, Evelyn Waugh, Thomas Pynchon, Steve Bell and Gary Trudeau. Primary readings will be supplemented with essays representing a variety of theoretical approaches to the satiric mode. Course requirements include spirited class participation, several short response papers, two essays (5-7 pages), and a class presentation.

fulfills requirements