John Milton (1608–1674) was an English poet and thinker who lived through the political and religious conflict of the English Civil War. Educated at Cambridge, he supported republican government and worked for Oliver Cromwell. Milton’s works bring classical epic style into conversation with Christian theology and the politics of his day. His use of blank verse and his focus on freedom, rebellion, and individual conscience strongly influenced later writers, especially the Romantics.
This discussion-based literature course will examine the major works of John Milton, including Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, within the religious and political turmoil of seventeenth-century England. Through close reading, we will explore Milton’s epic vision of the creation, fall, and redemption while engaging fundamental questions about human agency. Do humans have true free will, or are their choices shaped by divine authority? How does Milton understand obedience, and when does obedience conflict with freedom? How should suffering be understood in light of God’s justice? What does poetry reveal about the struggle to reconcile faith with experience? Through figures such as Adam, Eve, and Satan, the course will investigate the tensions between conscience, authority, and moral responsibility.
Required Texts:
The readings for this course can be read online at The John Milton Reading Room website from Dartmouth University. Alternatively, participants may use any edition of Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained from the library or bookstore of their choice.
Standard Tuition: $210.00
New Participant Tuition: $150.00
Day: Thursdays
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Hybrid (3405 Atwater and online)
Course leaders: Ronika Khanna, Joseph Vietri
Please note that in the case of extenuating circumstances (e.g. a snowstorm) an in-person course may be temporarily held on Zoom.
First session: September 17 2026
Course length: 12 weeks
Degree credit: 3
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
All course participants registering should read and abide by the Thomas More Institute Code of Conduct.
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