Study of major texts, authors, and genres of British literature from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in their historical and social settings. Emphasizes close textual analysis along with broad literary and cultural themes. Readings may include Beowulf, Chaucer, and Sir Gawain; Sidney, Jonson, Lady Mary Wroth, the Metaphysical Poets (Donne, Marvell, and others), and Katherine Philips, as well as Shakespeare and Milton. Note: Required for all English majors. Should be taken before most upper-level courses.