English and Literature Overview

• English and literature encompass the study of language, texts, and their cultural contexts
• This field explores various genres, periods, and critical approaches to understand and appreciate literary works

Core Areas

• Literature focuses on the analysis and interpretation of literary texts such as novels, poems, plays, and short stories
• Language examines the structure, history, and use of the English language, including grammar, syntax, and semantics
• Composition involves the development of writing skills, including essay writing, creative writing, and research writing
• Literary Theory explores different critical lenses and theoretical frameworks used to analyze literature
• Cultural Studies examines the relation between literature and broader cultural, social, and historical contexts

Key Literary Terms

• Theme is the central idea or message of a literary work
• Plot is the sequence of events in a story
• Character is a person or figure in a story
• Setting is the time and place in which a story occurs
• Point of View is the perspective from which a story is told
• Symbolism is the use of objects, people, or ideas to represent something else
• Imagery is the use of descriptive language to create vivid mental pictures
• Metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as"
• Simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as"
• Irony is the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning
• Allusion is a reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art

Literary Genres

• Poetry: Verse written to create a response of thought and feeling from the audience
• Drama: Literature intended for performance
• Prose: Ordinary written or spoken language, without metrical structure
• Fiction: Literature that describes imaginary events and people
• Non-fiction: Literature based in fact

Literary Periods

• Old English (c. 450-1066): Characterized by the use of Old English, and epic poems
• Middle English (c. 1066-1485): Influenced by the Norman Conquest, with a blend of French and English languages
• Renaissance (c. 1485-1660): A period of renewed interest in classical art and literature, marked by humanism and the rise of the printing press
• Restoration (1660-1700): Marked by the restoration of the monarchy and a focus on wit and satire
• 18th Century (1700-1800): Known as the Enlightenment or the Age of Reason, emphasizing logic, reason, and order
• Romantic Period (c. 1789-1837): Emphasizing emotion, imagination, and individualism
• Victorian Period (1837-1901): Marked by social, economic, and technological changes, and a focus on morality and realism
• Modern Period (1901-1945): Characterized by experimentation, alienation, and a break from traditional forms and values
• Postmodern Period (1945-present): Marked by skepticism, irony, and a rejection of grand narratives

Major Literary Movements

• Romanticism emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism
• Realism sought to depict life as it is, without idealization or romanticism
• Naturalism is a more extreme form of realism, emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior
• Modernism is characterized by experimentation, alienation, and a break from traditional forms and values
• Postmodernism is marked by skepticism, irony, and a rejection of grand narratives

Approaches to Literary Criticism

• Formalism focuses on the intrinsic features of a text, such as its language, structure, and form
• Biographical Criticism examines the author's life and experiences to gain insight into their work
• Historical Criticism examines the historical and cultural context in which a literary work was created
• Psychological Criticism applies psychological theories to interpret literary works and characters
• Sociological Criticism examines the social, economic, and political forces that shape literature
• Gender Studies explores the representation of gender and sexuality in literature
• Postcolonial Criticism examines the impact of colonialism on literature and culture
• Reader-Response Criticism focuses on the reader's experience and interpretation of a text

Studying Literature

• Close Reading: Careful and detailed analysis of a literary text, paying attention to language, imagery, and form
• Contextual Analysis: Examining the historical, cultural, and social context in which a literary work was created
• Critical Thinking: Evaluating and interpreting literary texts using various critical approaches and theories
• Research Skills: Conducting research to gather information about authors, texts, and critical perspectives
• Writing Skills: Developing clear and effective writing skills for essays, research papers, and other academic assignments

Key Skills Developed

• Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze and interpret complex literary texts
• Critical Thinking: The ability to evaluate and form judgments about literary works and ideas
• Communication Skills: The ability to express ideas clearly and effectively in writing and speech
• Research Skills: The ability to conduct research and gather information from various sources
• Cultural Awareness: An understanding of different cultures and perspectives