This course traces the beginnings of English literature to 1660, with a focus on love and sexuality, cultural and linguistic upheavals, religion and secularism, and the impact of imperialism. While society was structured by powerful ideas of order grounded in religion, nature, social rank, gender, ethnicity, and race, traditional thinking about these concepts was increasingly challenged, not least by contact with non-European cultures and the Scientific Revolution. As literacy rates rose, English literature found new audiences, producing richly varied and often playful works. Works by figures such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton are central to the course, but other texts will also be discussed. Genres include poetry, drama, and prose. This course is required for the English Major and Honours programs, and strongly recommended for Minors. NOTE: Students can obtain credit for only one of ENGL 2011 and ENGL 2901.