LIT 5038 Spring 2022 Coldiron

This survey presents both a broad view of the European roots of English lyric poetry and a close look at particular authors and works. We focus on each era's poetry, poetics, and theory, considering (e.g.) genre/subgenres, form, technique, and socio-historical and aesthetic contexts. We'll quickly sample (1) Greek and Roman poetry and poetic theory that were influential over the long term; (2) troubdour/trobairritz and other medieval poetry and theory that shaped English lyric; (3) early modern Italian, French, and Spanish works that most informed English literature. We'll then spend most of our time on (4) the English poetry and theory that branched from those roots. The course emphasis is on influential and recognized authors and works, but we will also read works that challenge emergent canons in various ways (such as satiric, subversive, or experimental works and works by marginalized voices).