This course will serve the general aim of learning methods of critical analysis and critical writing.
The course is specifically intended to introduce students to a broad range of Victorian authors and literary forms. It focuses on the Victorian concern with the responsibility of the artist to deal with social life and social problems. In the course of our discussions, we will be guided by the following questions:
1. To what causes (human nature, divine will or providence, social institutions, etc.) does this text ascribe social problems?
2. What ideas of action, specifically of reform, does the text represent and how are these ideas related to the way the text represents the causes of social problems?
3. How does the work appeal to the reader? What does it ask the reader to do or be?
Class participation: I expect students to participate regularly in class discussions. This requires preparation through timely completion of reading assignments, and completion of assigned study questions.
Writing: Three essays of approximately five
pages.
Examinations:
There will be a final
examination.
Class participation, each of the three
essays, and
the final exam will each count for 20% of the final grade.