ENGL 120 — British Literature from Medieval through 18th Century
From Beowulf to the Enlightenment
Encounter heroes, monsters, kings, revolutions, satire, epic poetry, and some of the greatest works ever written in English.
This course explores British literature from the medieval world through the eighteenth century, introducing students to authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, and Swift while tracing the evolution of storytelling, politics, religion, and culture across the centuries.
Students will read works that helped shape the modern world — and discover why these texts continue to influence literature, politics, film, philosophy, and popular culture today. Along the way, the course considers themes such as leadership, empire, diplomacy, faith, rebellion, gender, identity, and the power of language itself.
Designed both for students already interested in literature and for those entirely new to British literary study, ENGL 120 emphasizes close reading, discussion, intellectual curiosity, and connections between the humanities and the wider world.
The course may be of particular interest to students drawn to history, law, politics, international relations, diplomacy, philosophy, medieval and early modern studies, and transatlantic culture.
No prior experience with British literature is expected.
Fall 2026
Tuesdays & Thursdays
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
IDEAs in Action Gen Ed:
FC-AESTH or FC-PAST
• Counts toward MEMS
• Honors Carolina credit available by arrangement
Professor Ted Leinbaugh
leinbaugh@unc.edu
