Restoration and 18th-Century English Literature: Love and Sex in 18th C. Literature (Capstone eligible)

Feminism, pornography, ideal marriage, power struggles between men and women: all these aspects were central to the literature of the Restoration and the eighteenth century (1660-1800). In this course, we will explore these and other compelling, complex aspects of love and sex in the poetry, drama, fiction, non-fictional prose, and visual satire of this period. Central to this course is a 10-12 page research paper involving primary research into pamphlets and books in the period using full-text digital archives. Students taking this course will therefore gain valuable research skills as well as insight into past treatment of recurring and vexing social and intellectual issues.