Traces the evolution of the epic as a literary genre transcending national and cultural boundaries. Epics from Homer and Virgil through the romance epics will be analyzed, culminating in a study of epic characteristics in Star Wars. Prerequisite: Morrissy scholar or permission. [3 credits]

Aims to recover the tradition of early Modern European women writers and understand why women's writings were underrepresented for so long in the literary canon. Students will read and discuss a variety of selections from women writers in Italy, France, Spain and England from 1450 to 1700. They will also examine the political, economic and social forces that shaped women's writings during this period. All readings will be in English. [ 3 credits ]