Topics in Restoration and 18th Century Literature I

Story in the Eighteenth Century

Woman reading out of a book to other women over a single candle.

Tales of Wonder

While the short story is a genre often considered to have begun in the nineteenth century, this seminar course considers the short narrative, the tale, and the concept of ‘story’ as they emerged in Britain in the eighteenth century.

Readings

Scholarly articles concerning key texts and relevant critical theory concerning genre
Tales from eighteenth-century periodicals
Selections from The Arabian Nights’ Entertainments
Grimms' Children’s and Household Tales.

Assessment

Oral seminar (35%)
A research essay on an original topic, including references to secondary sources (50%)
Participation in discussion (15%)

Please be advised that speaking in front of a group is a crucial part of a senior honours seminar. Class participation is half based on attendance and half upon evidence of preparation for and engagement with class discussions.

**Assessments subject to change**