Bachelor
2020/2021
Into the Wild: The Romantic Tradition in the United States. Advanced English
Type:
Elective course (HSE/NES Programme in Economics)
Area of studies:
Economics
Delivered by:
HSE/NES Undergraduate Programmes Curriculum Support
Where:
Faculty of Economic Sciences
When:
3 year, 3, 4 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Contact hours:
64
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The term “romanticism” defines an aesthetic movement that defined literary, artistic, and musical production in Europe at the end of the eighteenth and beginning of the nineteenth centuries. This course will explore the impact of romanticism on American literature, focusing on key figures of that period (Whitman, Dickinson, Hawthorne, Poe, Thoreau, and Melville). However, we will be considering romanticism not only as a bounded historical period but as a tradition, a set of themes and tropes that have remained influential ever since. Thus, these works will be paired with more recent books and films that reflect the aesthetic, philosophical, and ideological concerns of the Romantics in ways that were appropriate for their own particular time.
Learning Objectives
- The aim of the course is to explore the impact of romanticism on American literature, focusing on key figures of that period (Whitman, Dickinson, Hawthorne, Poe, Thoreau, and Melville). Результаты освоения дисциплины
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Perform “close reading”—reading that is sensitive to the nuances of language, the importance of form and genre, and the use of literary devices
- Interpret literary texts according to three critical approaches: Formal, Historical, and Cultural
- Demonstrate advanced proficiency in written English
- Write short critical papers about literary works that consist of a strong, original thesis and supporting evidence from the text
- Deliver honest, constructive feedback to peers during peer review and workshop sessions
- Thoughtfully revise essays based on incorporation of peer and instructor feedback
Course Contents
- Part I: RebellionEmerson, Divinity School Address; James, “Religion and Neurology” Dickinson, selected poems; Barzun, “Romantic Art”; Whitman, Preface to Leaves of Grass Whitman, excerpts from “Song of Myself”; Weir, “The Dead Poet’s Society” (film); Barzun, “Romantic Life”
- Part II: NatureThoreau, “Resistance to Civil Government,” Walden, “Economy” London, Call of the Wild, Kerouac, The Dharma Bums
- Part III: NostalgiaCooper, The Last of the Mohicans Part IV: Myth-Making Melville, Moby Dick, Lucas, Star Wars; Berlin – Lasting Effects
Assessment Elements
- Final Paper
- Group Discussions
- Presentation
- Quizzes
- Short papers (3)
- Final Paper
- Group Discussions
- Presentation
- Quizzes
- Short papers (3)
Interim Assessment
- Interim assessment (4 module)0.1 * Quizzes + 0.3 * Final Paper + 0.15 * Group Discussions + 0.15 * Presentation + 0.3 * Short papers (3)
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Barbour, J., & Quirk, T. (2016). Romanticism : Critical Essays in American Literature. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1214823
- Sherrill, R. A. (2018). The Divinity School Address by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Literature. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=ers&AN=119625802
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Henry David Thoreau. (2016). “Resistance to civil government.” Revista Filosofía UIS, (1). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsdoj&AN=edsdoj.90db53e2171b4cfdbb4ac3988cbadf9f
- Herman Melville. (2019). Moby Dick. [N.p.]: Beelzebub Classics. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=2157601
- James Fenimore Cooper. (2019). The Last of the Mohicans. [N.p.]: Alma Books. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=2249287
- Palmer, A. L. (2011). Historical Dictionary of Romantic Art and Architecture. Lanham [Md.]: Scarecrow Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=368201