University of Virginia Library

B. A. COURSE.

This course includes practical instruction in composition and in the
critical analysis of prose and poetry, but its general aim, held steadfastly
in view, is literary. The double purpose of the course is: first,
to aid the student in learning the principles of good writing and in
acquiring by practice the power of expressing himself correctly and
clearly, if not with facility and literary finish; second, to raise the
standard of reading by cultivating the student's literary taste and by
interesting him in the splendid achievements of English and American
literature.

In order to pursue this course with full profit the student should
have, in addition to maturity of mind and general mental training, an
accurate knowledge of the principles of English grammar, including
punctuation and orthography, and familiarity with the foundations of
rhetoric. Previous practice in composition is well-nigh essential to the
successful prosecution of the work of this class, while general information
as to the history and contents of English and American literature
will add materially to the student's appreciation of the lectures.[2]

This B. A. course includes:

1. Rhetoric.—This will comprise a rapid review of the principles of
style as illustrated by the Sentence and the Paragraph, and a careful
study of invention in prose discourse. There will be frequent written
and blackboard exercises, and particular attention will be given to the
critical analysis of selected specimens of Descriptive, Narrative, Expository,
Argumentative, and Persuasive Prose. This course, based on
the Professor's notes, will be supplemented by lectures, outlines, diagrams,
etc.

Text-Books.—To be assigned at the beginning of the course.

2. Poetics.—This course, following the general outline of the textbook,
will comprise the mechanism of verse, the artistic elements of
poetry, history of important verse forms, poetic style, kinds of poetry,
etc.

Class exercises in the analysis of poems, in the composition of verse,
and in recognition of forms, etc., will be assigned from time to time.

Text-Book.—Kent's Study of Poetry (in preparation).

3. English Literature.—This course will consist, first, of a general
history of English literature, of which the text-book will serve as a
syllabus; then of a close study of two of Shakespeare's Plays; of the
Lyric Poetry of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries; and of the
Prose of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth. The entire course is supplemented
by class explanations, graphical representations, assigned and
suggested readings, and lectures.

Text-Books.—Pancoast's Introduction to English Literature; Carpenter's
English Lyric Poetry, 1500-1700; Craik's English Prose, Volumes IV and V;
Kent's Graphic Representations of English and American Literature.

4. Essays.—Besides the frequent written exercises five essays will be
required of each student applying for graduation in this B. A. course.
These will be due October 7, November 18, January 13, March 10,
April 28.