The Sublime, a History: Ancient to Romantic

About this course

The course traces changing ideas of the sublime from Longinus and Renaissance rhetoric through Shakespeare, Marlowe and Milton to eighteenth-century aesthetics and Romantic literature. It considers how writing, painting and music evoke awe, fear, wonder and astonishment, with reference to Burke, Kant, modern theories and selected biblical passages. Key writers include Byron, Shelley, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. Teaching combines close reading of textual extracts, class discussion and visual slides. Historical and philosophical contexts are used to examine how language shapes landscapes, perception and emotional responses.

What you'll learn

• Analyse how writers use language and rhetorical devices to construct landscapes, perception and emotional response.
• Relate literary depictions of awe, fear and wonder to relevant historical and philosophical contexts.
• Define and discuss key concepts associated with the sublime in literary and visual works.

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to all levels and does not require prior knowledge of the texts. It is intended for learners who want to explore the sublime through reading and discussion, with participation centred on close examination of extracts and class conversation.

• No prior knowledge of the set texts is needed.
• Participation includes class discussion as well as individual close reading.
• Optional guided reading tasks may support preparation and independent study.

Before you go

• All course materials are provided.
• Textual extracts are provided in advance. Learners are expected to read the relevant poems and passages, with guided reading support available.
• Optional guided reading tasks may be provided before classes.