British and American Literature

1.Basic Course Information

Course code: 090014
Course name: British and American Literature
Course type: Specialty course
Periods: 64
Credits: 4
Target students: Undergraduates majoring in English (International Business Translation), and undergraduates majoring in Business English
Assessment: Examination
Preparatory courses: British and American Societies and Cultures, Integrated English I-III

2.Brief Course Introduction

 “British and American Literature” is a compulsory course to be offered in the fifth semester to junior undergraduates who major in Commercial English or English Translation. It is a significant part of the program that aims to enhance their literary understanding and humanistic values. It introduces them to prominent writers and masterpieces of British and American literature in their respective historical contexts, with the focus on drama, poetry and fiction from Shakespeare to the contemporary. Students are encouraged to read, analyze and discuss the literary texts, and to participate in poetry recitals and dramatic performances. By these means, the course helps them master the basic knowledge of literature, familiarize themselves with the major literary texts, improve their own literary understanding and language proficiency, and thereby acquire a better comprehension of the societies and cultures of both Britain and America.