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B. A. COURSE.
Notwithstanding the fact that this course includes
practical instruction in prose and poetic composition and in
the critical analysis of specimens of prose and poetry, its
general aim, constantly held in view, is literary. Its double
purpose is: first, to raise the standard of good reading by
cultivating literary taste and by interesting the student in
the splendid achievements of English literature; second, 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.
In order to pursue this course with profit the student
should have, in addition to a certain maturity of mind and
general mental training, an accurate knowledge of the
principles of English grammar, including orthography, and
general familiarity with the elements of rhetoric. Previous
practice in composition is well nigh essential to the successful
prosecution of the work of this class, while information
about the history and contents of English literature will add
materially to the student's appreciation of the lectures.[1]
For convenience of presentation the course is divided
as follows:
1. Rhetoric.—This will comprise first a rapid review of
the principles of style as illustrated by the Sentence and the
Paragraph, and then a careful study of invention in prose
discourse. There will be occasional written exercises, and
particular attention will be given to the critical analysis of
selected specimens of Descriptive, Narrative, Expository and
Argumentative Prose. The course will be based on
Genung's Rhetoric, but will not be limited to it.
Text-Books.—Genung's Rhetoric; Genung's Hand-book of Rhetorical
Analysis; Baldwin's Specimens of Prose Description; Brewster's Specimens
of Narration; Lamont's Specimens of Exposition; and Baker's Specimens of
Argumentation.
2. Poetics.—In this course will be considered the mechanism
of verse, the artistic elements of poetry, history of
important verse forms, poetic style, kinds of poetry, etc.
Class exercises of various kinds will be assigned from
time to time.
Text-Book.—Kent's Study of Poetry (in preparation). References.—
Gummere's Hand-book of Poetics; Guest's English Rhythms; Schipper's
Englische Metrik; Lanier's Science of English Verse, etc.
3. General History of English Literature.—This course,
of which the text-book serves as a syllabus, will consist of
the text, assigned readings, lectures, etc.
Text-Book.—Pancoast's Introduction to English Literature (revised
edition, 1896).
4. Nineteenth Century Literature.—Following the General
History of English Literature there will be offered in
'97-98 a special course in the history of Nineteenth Century
Literature. This course will be supplemented by assigned
readings, lectures, etc.
Text-Book.—Saintsbury's History of Nineteenth Century Literature.
References.—Mrs. Oliphant's Literary History of England, Eighteenth and
Nineteenth Century; Stedman's Victorian Poets; Harrison's Studies in
Early Victorian Literature; and special references for individual authors
and periods.
Essays.—Besides the occasional written exercises of the
class, four essays will be required of each student applying
for graduation in this B. A. course. These will be due
October 15, December 10, March 9, May 4. The subjects
will, in some cases, be assigned and at other times be left
to the choice of the student, but will fall under these
general heads: Description, Narration, Exposition, Argumentation
or Persuasion.
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