Eighteenth-Century British Literature: Exploring the Literary Self

How do we become who we are? In the eighteenth century, a radical shift in philosophy suggested that human identity is shaped entirely by personal experience rather than divine design. This text-based course guides you through the captivating literary debates of eighteenth-century Britain, where writers grappled with the definition of the self, individual agency, and social expectations. You will transition from understanding basic philosophical foundations to analyzing complex literary works, gaining a deep appreciation for the historical roots of modern identity. Through close reading of curated texts, you will discover how authors used poetry, novels, essays, and diaries to challenge or defend the status quo. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational philosophical shift from innate ideas to experience-based identity. - Analyze diverse literary genres of the long eighteenth century, including early novels, satirical poetry, and personal journals. - Explore how gender roles, class, and social structures shaped written expressions of the self. - Examine key themes of imagination, agency, and the tension between individual desire and societal expectations. - Practice critical reading and literary analysis techniques to interpret historical texts with modern relevance. This course begins with essential historical context and key philosophical terminology before moving into thematic readings. You will read and analyze influential perspectives from authors of the era, tracking how their ideas evolved over a century of rapid cultural change. This course is designed for beginners, literature enthusiasts, and history buff alike, requiring no prior knowledge of British literature or philosophy. Start reading today to discover how the modern concept of the self was born.