106-222 Revolution, Reform and the Victorians

Usually 12.5 points of first year English.

The nineteenth century was a period of unprecedented social change, through the rise of industrial capitalism, the migration of labour from the country to the city, and the growth of the metropolis. This subject will introduce students to some of the remarkable works of literary fiction and poetry produced during this period, from the 'loose, baggy monsters' of mid-century to the brief 'New Woman' novels of the 1880s and '90s. Topics to be considered will include Darwinism, the rise of a 'metropolitan mentality', changes in gender relations, female emancipation, class conflict, the work place, religious crisis, and the Victorian intellectual. We shall spend some time locating the Victorians in their historical context and we will also probe the (often negative) connotations attached to the label 'Victorian'. Students will undertake some historical reading and will also think about the wider cultural context and legacy of nineteenth-century Britain.

• acquire skills in research through competent use of library, and other (including online) information sources; through the successful definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;

• acquire skills in critical thinking and analysis through use of recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion; through the questioning of accepted wisdom and the ability to shape and strengthen persuasive judgments and arguments; through attention to detail in reading material; and through openness to new ideas and the development of critical self-awareness;

• acquire skills in social, ethical and cultural understanding through use of recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion; through the social contextualisation of arguments and judgments; through adaptations of knowledge to new situations and openness to new ideas; through the development of critical self-awareness in relation to an understanding of other cultures and practices;

• acquire skills in intelligent and effective communication of knowledge and ideas: through essay preparation, planning and writing as well as tutorial discussion; through effective dissemination of ideas from recommended reading and other relevant information sources; through clear definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research; through confidence to express ideas in public forums;

• acquire skills in time management and planning through the successful organization of workloads; through disciplined self-direction and the ability to meet deadlines.

Written work totaling 4000 words comprising a 1500 word essay worth 50% (due mid-semester), and a 2500 word essay worth 50% (due at the end of the semester). At least 80% tutorial attendance, a class presentation, and participation in class discussion are required to pass the subject.

A subject reader including contextual material by Arnold, Carlyle, Mayhew, Ruskin, Newman, poetry by Browning, Rosetti, Symons, Dowson, critical work by Beer, Smith, Bronfen, Richardson, Simmel will be available from the University Bookshop.

• Elizabeth Gaskell, Mary Barton. Oxford World's Classics.
• Alfred, Lord Tennyson, In Memoriam. Norton.
• Charlotte Brontë, Villette. Penguin Classics.
• George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss. Oxford World's Classics.
• Charles Dickens, Great Expectations. Penguin Classics.
• George Gissing, The Nether World. Oxford World's Classics.
• Meni Muriel Dowie, Gallia. Everyman.