"Doctor Syntax, in the middle of a smoaking hot political squabble, wishes to whet his whistle" by Thomas Rowlandson, early 19th century British cartoonist. (Image courtesy of the U.S. The Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division [reproduction number: LC-USZC4-3647 (color film copy transparency), part of the British Cartoon Prints Collection].)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Stephen Tapscott
MIT Course Number
21L.420
As Taught In
Spring 2006
Level
Undergraduate
Course Description
Course Description
Topic: The English sense of humor. This course examines English literature across genre and historical periods. It is designed for students who want to study English literature or writing in some depth, or to know more about English literary culture and history. Students will also learn about the relationships between literary themes, forms, and conventions and the times in which they were produced. Materials include: Medieval tales, riddles, and character sketches; Renaissance lyrics and a play, 18th-century satires in words and images, 19th century irony, modern stories and film.