Professors O’Brien and Olwell are a fantastic duo. They alternate lecturers based on the works, but O’Brien tends to cover the older works while Olwell covers the modern ones. They do an incredible job making connections between both larger themes of a text and of the course, really delving into them to make it exceptionally clear. Both are incredible lecturers in their own right, so it’s a treat to get both of them. Plus, they’re both extremely friendly, approachable, and funny.
The workload for assignments is fair—two 5-7 page papers, a midterm, and a final—but the reading is intense. Despite this, a basic understanding of the plot and major themes of the works—given in lectures—is enough to pass the class if you study right.
I’d highly recommend this class for anyone interested in learning more about the English literary canon or the English major.

I don't know what the previous reviewer's problem is- this class is fantastic. I truly looked forward to going to lecture every Monday and Wednesday and I learned so much about literature. As expected for a survey course, there is a considerable amount of reading included. However, because the reading is so interesting and enjoyable, I didn't even mind the amount. Professors Olwell and O Brien both give excellent lectures. I would definitely recommend this class.

I hated this class so much I wrote an over 1000 word course evaluation detailing everything that sucked about it. I cannot share it now do to the lack of formatting on the Course Forum, but suffice it to say these professors (I wrote this for John too) were unnecessarily strict, boring, and limited in the scope of the material. If you have to take this course for the major TAKE IT WITH ANYONE ELSE