Fri., 13 Dec.:  Paradise Regained, Books III and IV, Hughes pp. 505-30.  Mary Ann Radzinowicz, "How Milton Read the Bible: the Case of Paradise Regained," Cambridge Companion pp. 202-18.

John Berryman, from "Eleven Addresses to the Lord," in Love and Fame (1971).

Final Exam: Monday, 15 Dec., 10:15 am - 12:15 pm, in our usual classroom.

Optional Book(s) and Websites (recommended):

The Milton-L Home Page (formerly University of Richmond)

Milton on Luminarium (Anniina Jokinen)

The Reason of Church-government urg'd against PRELATY (1641)

A Treatise of Civil Power in Ecclesiastical Causes; Showing That it Is Not Lawful For Any Power on Earth to Compel in Matters of Religion. (1659)

The Readie & Easie Way to Establish a Free Commonwealth (1660)

Course Description:

No writer has a better claim than John Milton to be master of the English epic, and this course will trace the evolution of his complex poetic genius. We will study the various influences, literary, biblical, political, ecclesiastical, classical, aesthetic, and academic that contribute to that genius, surveying the literature before and after Milton that derives much of its significance from his achievement. But we will concentrate mostly on a careful close reading of his English poetry and prose. His thought and language can be thoroughly exhilarating for a modern reader. A reading journal, several short papers, quizzes, midterm and final exams, and a seminar-style research paper may be required. Prerequisite: 6 hours of 2000-level literature course or consent of instructor.

Course Objectives:  

1. Comprehend the history of the language, its grammar and syntax, the arts of rhetoric, and the conventions of expository writing
2. Read extensively in canonical literature while learning to question the status and historical formation of the canon: master literary periods, terms, and major authors
3. Read intensively with formal concentration, discerning the quality of different literary modes and styles: know the historical conventions of literary form and be able to differentiate literary styles
4. Extend these methods of analysis to new works outside the canon and to works outside the sphere of conventional textuality
5. Understand various modes of literary criticism and be able to devise appropriate critical theses both in writing and conversation: know the major schools of criticism and be able to replicate their interpretative strategies
6. Show intelligence, imagination, and creativity in the formation and support of original literary interpretations
7. Relate the history of literary creativity to allied fields of humane activity: politics, arts, philosophy, theory and culture in general.

Grading Standards:

Class participation, writing exercises (numerical, total 5% of final grade). Quizzes on assigned readings (numerical, total 10%). Short essays and presentations (letter-grade, total 45%). Midterm exam (half objective-numerical, half essay letter-grade, total 20%). Final exam (half objective-numerical, half essay letter-grade, total 20%). Research paper (optional for extra credit). The final course grade is determined from the weighted total of the above in accordance with usual academic standards (ex: 90-100=A, 80-89=B, etc).  We decided the first week of class to issue final grades without plusses and minuses.

Attendance policy:

University-sponsored absences are cleared through the Dean of Students.  Attendance is essential in a class like this. Any time you must miss class you should contact me in advance and will be required to submit a two-page paper on a topic I'll assign dealing with the day's reading assignment as it appears on the syllabus. Two absences without advance notice or without the two-page paper being turned in at the next class period will signify that you do not intend to pass the class.  This policy accords with UW Regulation 6-713.

Academic Honesty is strictly enforced according to UW Regulation 6-802 �Procedures and Authorized University Actions in Cases of Student Academic Dishonesty�.

The Student Code of Conduct may be found by linking to the Dean of Students Office page.

Disability Statement: If you have a physical, learning, sensory or psychological disability and require accommodation, please let me know as soon as possible. You will need to register with, and provide documentation of your disability to University Disability Support Services (UDSS) in SEO, room 330 Knight Hall.

Any changes to the syllabus will be announced in class or on this course website, where the date of most recent revision follows: