2025-2026 Early Modern Literature (1650-1850)

$715.00

Early Modern Literature 1650-1950

A year-long in-depth study of Early Modern English literature. Each work will be fully placed in its historical, philosophical, literary, and imaginative context. CS Lewis said that it’s the duty of the reader to read the Great Books like the original audience ; otherwise we cannot understand what we are reading. This takes work because we come to these texts with modern assumptions that we are largely unaware of. Therefore our first task as readers is to learn how to read these books like the original audience.

In my classes, I prefer to teach students how to think deeply and engage thoughtfully with the book we read together. Therefore, I deliberately limit the number of works covered in the class.  This allows students to read slowly and truly contemplate what they are reading, rather than rushing through huge reading lists with very little understanding—or enjoyment. Alexander Pope famously wrote, “A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep, or taste not…”  We drink very deeply.

Students (especially those who are not as Humanities oriented) respond very well to the less is more approach.  It is a true delight to watch their confidence and excitement build as they begin to truly understand and enjoy intimidating old books.

This class is primarily a class in learning how to read well. Therefore, there are only two small writing assignments–a midterm and a final. These are two short essays which allow a student to express his or her experience of reading and demonstrate an attentive and thoughtful reading of the text.

Asynchronous Option: Students have access to the streaming videos of the course to watch on their own time plus the LIVE Canvas Discussion forum for a full year. Asynchronous students may also submit a midterm and final and receive a grade for the course.  The classes are not discussion based and instead focus on the skill and art of reading well. Many students even prefer the asynchronous option because they can pause and rewind when taking notes. (Live students also have access to the course videos to rewatch for note-taking).

 

Book List:

NOTE: SIBLING SEATS MUST BE MANUALLY ADDED TO YOUR CART AFTER ENTERING SIBLING INFORMATION: https://houseofhumaneletters.com/product/2025-2026-sibling-seat-early-modern-literature/

The live section of Early Modern Literature is currently full. If you would like to join the waitlist, you can fill out the form at the link below. If you would like to sign up for the asynchronous version, but remain on the waitlist for a live spot, you may do so.

Live Early Modern Literature Waitlist Form: https://forms.gle/imV7kiyfJVSch8ts9

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Registration Information

  • Parent's First and Last Name *

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  • Student's Email (If Applicable) *

  • 2nd Student's First and Last Name *

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  • 3rd Student's First and Last Name *

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  • Siblings Sharing a Computer for Class *

    We offer a "Sibling Discount" which allows for siblings or even a student's parent to qualify for a discount if they are willing to share a device to stream the classes.
    NOTE: YOU MUST MANUALLY ADD SIBLING SEATs TO YOUR CART AFTER FILLING IN SIBLING INFORMATION.
    See the Course Description for the sibling seat link. Unpaid siblings will not be given access to Canvas.

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  • Withdrawal/Refund/Late Payment Policy (Please Read Carefully) *

    Withdrawal:We understand that schedules change and occasionally a student needs to drop a class. To withdraw from a class, send your request in writing to [email protected]. Please consult our Refund Policy Below. If you need to transfer to a different class or time, please place your Transfer Request in writing to [email protected]. Our classes are high demand, and we unfortunately cannot always accommodate requests for a class change. If we are able to transfer your student, there is a $15 transfer fee per class to cover administrative costs.
    Refund Policy:The $95 deposit is non-refundable. Refund requests made before June 1 will receive a full refund minus the $95 deposit (and any installment fees, if applicable) Refund requests made after June 1 but before classes begin will receive a 50% refund minus the $95 deposit (and any installment fees, if applicable). There will be no refunds after classes begin.
    Refunds for Digital Purchases/Webinars:All sales are final on digital purchases and webinars. Please email [email protected] for any issues about your digital purchase.
    Late Payments:Payments are due promptly on the due date. After three days, unpaid invoices will have an automatic charge of $15.00 added. Seven days after the due date without payment or contact with House of Humane Letters will result in immediate removal from class. We understand situations arise that are sometimes unavoidable. If you have any questions or concerns about late payments, please email [email protected].

  • PLEASE NOTE: *

    Once you have completed your form on this page, the registration form will be added to your cart. You can either check out from your cart or go to another class's page to add another registration request to your cart. Your student's spot in each class will not be guaranteed until at least the deposit payment has been accepted. An order marked "Completed" under your "Orders" tab is indication of a successful registration.
    Please remember this is a new system, and with that comes the possibility that there may be a few bugs to work out that we have not anticipated. We ask for your patience if you experience any issues. Rest assured we will get you sorted out as soon as possible to complete your registration request.
    Please reach out to our coordinator, Atlee, at [email protected] if you have not received any expected emails in the proper time or if you have any further questions about registration that have not been answered here.
    Thank you!

Course Total

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Description

A year-long in-depth study of Early Modern English literature. Each work will be fully placed in its historical, philosophical, literary, and imaginative context. CS Lewis said that it’s the duty of the reader to read the Great Books like the original audience ; otherwise we cannot understand what we are reading. This takes work because we come to these texts with modern assumptions that we are largely unaware of. Therefore our first task as readers is to learn how to read these books like the original audience.

In my classes, I prefer to teach students how to think deeply and engage thoughtfully with the book we read together. Therefore, I deliberately limit the number of works covered in the class.  This allows students to read slowly and truly contemplate what they are reading, rather than rushing through huge reading lists with very little understanding—or enjoyment. Alexander Pope famously wrote, “A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep, or taste not…”  We drink very deeply.

Students (especially those who are not as Humanities oriented) respond very well to the less is more approach.  It is a true delight to watch their confidence and excitement build as they begin to truly understand and enjoy intimidating old books.

This class is primarily a class in learning how to read well. Therefore, there are only two small writing assignments–a midterm and a final. These are two short essays which allow a student to express his or her experience of reading and demonstrate an attentive and thoughtful reading of the text.

Asynchronous Option: Students have access to the streaming videos of the course to watch on their own time plus the LIVE Canvas Discussion forum for a full year. Asynchronous students may also submit a midterm and final and receive a grade for the course.  The classes are not discussion based and instead focus on the skill and art of reading well. Many students even prefer the asynchronous option because they can pause and rewind when taking notes. (Live students also have access to the course videos to rewatch for note-taking).

 

Book List:

Additional information

Class Time

Wednesdays, 2:30pm-4:00pm ET, Asynchronous

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