Imagining Henry VIII

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course will explore how the reign of Henry VIII has been viewed in the imaginary landscapes of early modern literature (16th-17th centuries) originally written in English, French, and Italian. We will examine poems, plays, short stories, and other narrations as literary constructs that recreate the geographically and/or temporally distant space of England in the Henrician era. All foreign texts discussed as a class will be read in English translation, but will be made available in the original language for students wishing to sharpen their foreign language skills. Students with proficiency in Italian, French or Spanish will also have an opportunity to develop their expertise through personalized assignments and the final project. In addition to our key primary sources, we will read a number of critical analyses of these works. Special attention will be given to writing and research skills. We will also consider one modern film, A Man for All Seasons, to provide some contrast to these early modern written texts. Furthermore, we will also consider material culture, print culture, art (paintings, sculpture, and tapestries), architecture, music, and religion as a complement to the study of literary texts. The College of Arts and Letters and the Nanovic Institute are highly subsidizing an optional fall break trip for students enrolled in this course (more information provided later). The trip would include visits to the National Gallery, Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Hever Castle (Anne Boleyn's childhood home), Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, and relevant walking tours of London, to provide greater context to the class and to enrich the final project. IMPORTANT: Students enrolled under ROFR for the French major will be required to write one paper and do some readings in French.