Through an examination of selected novels and other historical materials, this course considers the cultural work of 19th-century British novels. Novels were ubiquitous in the period, and they appeared in a range of formats. They reflected and helped to shape public perceptions of some of the major social and psychological problems of the day (e.g., the impact of scientific progress and industrialization on English life and national identity, challenges to a rigid social structure and repressive moral code, attempts to redefine the nature and role of women). At the same time, novel reading was a topic of considerable debate. In much the same way that today we debate the virtues of new media texts, 19th-century readers argued back and forth about novels. What was the appropriate balance between education and entertainment? Which texts (and authors) were edifying? Which ones should be avoided? Could reading too many novels (especially the “wrong” kind) be dangerous?
Learning Outcomes
In this course you will
- examine selected 19th-century novels in their cultural and historical contexts
- acquire an understanding of the uses and limits of reading texts historically
- advance your understanding of 19th century British history and culture
- acquire theoretical language for understanding and analyzing generic conventions of novels
- develop your skills as a reader and writer of academic discourse
- develop your ability to participate in an active learning community
In addition, because this is a writing course, you will
- analyze different rhetorical situations
- identify and employ different strategies for discovering, developing, organizing, revising and editing your writing
- identify and apply selected discourse conventions appropriate to the field of English Studies