SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
History of Literature in English

An historical survey of literature from the British Isles and beyond. Through the study of representative works, the course aims to familiarize students with the characteristics of literary periods from the Middle Ages to the present.
Please note: This course is typically offered in the fall and/or winter term
Learning Outcomes
After completing English 200, The History of Literature in English, the student will be able to:
- identify and describe key authors and texts in the history of literature in English from the Middle Ages to the present, and identify major genres and literary techniques that have influenced the development of literature in English;
- recognize the characteristics of the major periods of English literature and of the literary movements associated with each period;
- analyze the role of social and historical contexts in the production, reception and transmission of literature in English;
- explain the historical development of the English language from its origins in Britain to its contemporary role as a global language;
- demonstrate a capacity for sustained and logical argument that builds on textual evidence and manifests itself in a variety of written forms;
- apply critical thinking skills to a variety of written forms including peers’ responses to reflect and evaluate information.
Terms
Evaluation
20% - Essay 1
14% - Research Assignment
20% - Essay 2
16% - Interaction Participation Questions (x4)
30% - Proctored Final Exam
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Final Examination
Students must write their exam on the day and time scheduled by the University. The start time may vary slightly depending on the off-campus exam centre. Do not schedule vacations, appointments, etc., during the exam period.
Instructor
Textbooks and Materials
ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
Required Textbooks
- Abrams, M.H., and Geoffrey Galt Harpham, eds. A Glossary of Literary Terms. 11th ed. CT: Cengage, 2015.
- Austen, Jane. Northanger Abbey. 1818. 2nd. ed. Ed. Claire Grogan. Peterborough: Broadview Press, 2002.
- Greenblatt, Stephen, et al, eds. The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Vol 1, 10th ed, (A/B/C). NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2012.
- Greenblatt, Stephen, et al, eds. The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Vol 2, 10th ed, (D/E/F). NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2012.
Time Commitment
To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend on average, about 18 - 20 hours per week (240 hours per term) on the course.
Course Resources
About SOLUS
About OnQ
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
About Credit Units
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
Computer Requirements
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
Computer Specifications
- Windows 8.1 or newer
- OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
- Dual Core 2 GHz processor
- 4 GB RAM
- Soundcard
- USB Headset
- Webcam
Supported Browsers
- Chrome (preferred - latest version)
- Firefox (latest version)
- Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
- Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
Internet Connection
- Wired high speed access: Cable or better
- Wifi is not recommended
Java
- Latest version
Media Player
- Flash (latest version)
Adobe Reader
- Latest Version
Dates/Deadlines
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Grading Scheme
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
Letter Grade | Grade Point |
A+ | 4.30 |
A | 4.00 |
A- | 3.70 |
B+ | 3.30 |
B | 3.00 |
B- | 2.70 |
C+ | 2.30 |
C | 2.00 |
C- | 1.70 |
D+ | 1.30 |
D | 1.00 |
D- | 0.70 |
F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
Campus Bookstore
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
Non-Queen’s Students
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Academic Integrity
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.