LITERATURE.
In the Class of Literature, attention is confined to the study of
the English Language and its Literature. The origin, growth
and philological peculiarities of the language will be considered;
the various influences, domestic and external, by which it has
been brought to its present condition will be explained; the lives
of its most eminent authors will be studied in their historical
order and connection; and the critical examination and appreciation
of their principal productions will occupy the larger portion
of the time. In addition to this, the Class will be required
to practice literary composition.
Text books are more deficient in this branch of study than
even in History. The following will be used for the present:
Spalding's History of English Literature; Shaw's Outlines of
General Literature; Shakespeare; Aiken's British Poets.
