ENG 263 - National Trauma: Studies in British Romanticism

This course examines the formation of British national identity through its troubling origins in slavery, colonial rule, and women’s lesser status. Focusing on slave narratives, memoir, confessional poetry and the political and domestic novel, this seminar will explore the ways in which Romantic writers attempted to articulate a national narrative through shaping a host of discourses surrounding class, home, and the law.  In particular, we will examine the ways in which those who are marginalized must be displaced, excluded and contested to form a homogenous national culture.  For undergraduate English majors this course satisfies the Period (C-2) requirement.

Anticipated Terms Offered: Periodically