The aim of the course is to teach the tensions between realism and fantasy in Victorian literary texts against the background of the historical, intellectual and cultural contexts of the era.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Corequisite(s)
None
Special Requisite(s)
None
Instructor(s)
--
Course Assistant(s)
-
Schedule
This course is not offered this semester
Office Hour(s)
This course is not offered this semester
Teaching Methods and Techniques
-Lecture, discussion.
Principle Sources
-Charles Dickens, from Hard Times and Pickwick Papers
Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
H. G. Wells, “The Country of the Blind”
Robert Browning, dramatic monologues
Lewis Carrol, from Alice in Wonderland
Tennyson, from Idylls of the King
D. G. Rosetti, “The Blessed Damozel”
Christina Rosetti, “Goblin Market”
Oscar Wilde, Salome
G. B. Shaw Pygmalion
Other Sources
-J.S. Mill, from The Subjection of Women and On Liberty
Charles Darwin, from Origin of Species and Descent of Man
Friedrich Engels, from The Great Towns
www.victorianweb.org
www.gutenberg.org
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Introduction
Reading, discussion
2. Week
Victorian ideas (socialism, feminism, religious controversy)
Reading, discussion
3. Week
Where realism meets fantasy: Dickens
Reading, discussion
4. Week
Dickens, “A Madman’s Manuscript”
Reading, discussion
5. Week
Robert Browning: Dramatic monologues
Reading, discussion
6. Week
Gender and Madness: Bertha Mason
Reading, discussion
7. Week
Jane Eyre
Reading, discussion
8. Week
Jane Eyre
Reading, discussion
9. Week
Flights of Fancy: Alternative Worlds
Reading, discussion
10. Week
H. G. Wells, “The Country of the Blind”
Reading, discussion
11. Week
Tennyson, Morris, the Rosettis
Reading, discussion
12. Week
Lewis Carrol, from Alice in Wonderland
Reading, discussion
13. Week
Oscar Wild: Salome
Reading, discussion
14. Week
Back to Realism: Pygmalion
Reading, discussion
15. Week
Review
16. Week
Final Exams Week
17. Week
Final Exams Week
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Midterm(s)
1
10
Quizzes
10
40
Homework / Term Projects / Presentations
1
20
Attendance
70
10
Final Exam
1
20
Program Outcomes
PO-1
Show knowledge of a substantial range of authors, movements and texts from different periods of literary history.
PO-2
Identify the intellectual, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature
is written and read.
PO-3
Employ the necessary skills in the reading, analysis and in appreciation of literature.
PO-4
Recognize, interpret, and comment on rhetorical and figurative language.
PO-5
Identify, distinguish between and assess the distinctive characteristics of texts written in the principle literary genres.
PO-6
Recall and define key terms and concepts relating to language, literature and/or culture.
PO-7
Recognize the role of different social and cultural contexts in affecting meaning.
PO-8
Demonstrate responsiveness to the central role of language in the creation of meaning.
PO-9
Recognize different structures and discourse functions of the English language.
PO-10
Display competence both in written and/or oral expression and in the
communication of ideas in a variety of contexts.
PO-11
Demonstrate critical skills in the close reading, description, interpretation,
and analysis of literary and non-literary texts.
PO-12
Use logical thought, critical reasoning, and rhetorical skills to effectively
construct arguments.
PO-13
Apply guided research skills including the ability to gather, sift, organize and
present information and material.
PO-14
Show competence in planning, preparation and revision of essays,
presentations, and other written and project work.
PO-15
Reflect on ethical and philosophical issues raised in literary, critical, and
cultural texts.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
Learn the historical, cultural and intellectual climate of the Victorian era.
LO-2
understand the literary responses to Victorian issues
LO-3
be able to read and respond critically to literary texts
LO-4
Be acquainted with the major writers of the period and their works
LO-5
Expand their knowledge of realism and fantasy as literary modes.
