This course introduces students to the study of the historical origin and development of the essay as a genre through analysis of select essays written during the Renaissance, Reformation and Enlightenment (16th through 18th centuries) as well as essays by 19th century Romantic and Victorian authors. Students are also exposed to contemporary essays written in English from a variety of perspectives by a culturally diverse group of essayists. In addition, students learn fundamental rhetorical principles of invention, arrangement, and style in order to analyze the essays read for the course and to construct personal and scholarly essays.

Prerequisite: COSK1221 or COSK1225