Victorian Literature: An Interdisciplinary Introduction

ABOUT THE COURSE:Some of the most powerful and widely studied novels and poems in the English language were composed in the 19th century. These texts are conventionally called “Victorian,” because the time period in which they were published and first read overlaps with Queen Victoria’s reign (1837—1901). Recently, however, “Victorian” as a descriptor of literary quality has become increasingly untenable. Many scholars have questioned the narrowly White and Anglo-centric bias of this nomenclature. This course takes stock of new theoretical work from postcolonialism, ecocriticism, as well as feminist and disability studies theory to offer new ways of understanding and enjoying “Victorian” literature. Students will learn about the debates and conflicts from which these texts, as well as the academic term “Victorianism,” came to be. Students will use ideas from new theoretical paradigms to critically evaluate many “great” writers and their work. By completing this course, students will learn the most sophisticated and innovative modes of literary interpretation, and gain a new appreciation of some of the most canonized texts in the history of English literature.INTENDED AUDIENCE:This course will appeal to the following audiences:Individuals engaged in the formal study of Victorian literature at the UG, PG, and Ph.D level.Individuals pursuing their study of English Literature from their own interest.General readers who have read classic works of English literature on their own, and wish to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history, context, and theory of the Victorian era.PREREQUISITES: Ability to read and write English prose and poetry.INDUSTRY SUPPORT: All industries value the following skills, that accrue from the study of literature, and writing about literature:Effective verbal and written communicationDecision makingLeadershipEmotional intelligenceA wide range of soft skills