John Milton’s Paradise Lost is one of the great works of English literature, grappling with freedom, authority, rebellion and belief. This course explores Milton’s language, ideas and historical context, examining how his poetry challenged political and religious norms of his time. We consider why Paradise Lost remains powerful today, and how Milton’s vision continues to provoke debate about morality, power and the human condition.

DELIVERY MODE

• John Milton, Paradise Lost (Parallel Prose Edition), Dennis Danielson (Broadview Press, 2012)

COURSE OUTLINE

• Milton the man, Paradise Lost and other works
• Political, religious and literary context
• Adaptations and influence of the book

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Describe the political, religious, and literary context of Milton’s writing
2. Outline Milton’s life story
3. Discuss the quality and significance of Milton’s works