Wed 14-16 B4118 (ROBERTSON) (starting 2.9.2009)

The text of Paradise Lost poses present-day readers many fascinating problems. Do we read it for its theology; for its display of vast Classical and Biblical intertextuality; for its defence of individual liberty; or for the beauties of the poetry? Does the text suggest Milton was a misogynist? Is it the greatest poem, the greatest Protestant poem, and the only true epic in English? Was Milton, as William Blake claimed, "of the Devil's party without knowing it"?

During the course we will be reading Paradise Lost. Because it is essential that everyone has read the texts, there will be a clear reading task set each week. In addition, students will be given a set of questions and problems to consider while doing the reading, and these will form the basis of the teaching.

Students will also be expected to read in Milton criticism, and write one paper, or a long answer in an examination. Assessment will be on the basis of paper/exam plus class contribution.

http://www.uta.fi/laitokset/kielet/engf/studies/options/index.html