English 55: Desire in the Victorian Novel
Fall 1996

MWF 11-11:50 am
Chem 109
Kathryn Conrad
Office: 202 Bennett
Office phone: 898-6365
Office hours: MW 3-4

This page last modified 5 September 1996

Description:


In this course, we will read a variety of 19th-century novels in order to explore the changing notions of the self in society. We will focus in particular on the different ways in which these writers negotiate agency and desire in the context of the imperial, scientific, and political discourses of the period.

Requirements:


Students will be responsible for a class presentation (possibly on-line) (10%), two 5-7 page papers (40%), a midterm (20%) and a final exam (20%). Class and listserver discussion will also be required (10%). Attendance counts toward the participation grade.

Students are encouraged to make use of the Writing Center, located on the Fourth Floor of Bennett Hall.

Note: This course, in combination with English 45 or 65, may be used to fulfill the requirement for English 203. Please see the requirements for the English major for more information.

Required texts:


Books are available at House of Our Own Bookstore, 3920 Spruce.
* This text is out of print. The text can be ordered in bulkpack form from Campus Copy Center, 39th and Walnut.

Supplemental readings and resources:


Syllabus:

Times subject to change.


W September 4: Introduction
F 6: (start reading!) Intro. cont.


M 9: E. Bronte, Wuthering Heights
W11: E. Bronte cont.
F13: E. Bronte cont.


M16: E. Bronte cont.
W18: C. Bronte, Jane Eyre
F20: C. Bronte cont.


M23: C. Bronte cont.
W25: C. Bronte cont.
F27: C. Bronte cont.


M30: Eliot, Middlemarch
W October 2: Eliot cont.
F4: Eliot cont.


M7: Eliot cont.
W9: Eliot cont.
F11: (Fall Break)


M14: Fall Break
W16: Eliot cont.
F18: Eliot cont. Midterm exam.


M21: Hardy, Tess of the D'Urbervilles
W23: Hardy cont.
F25: Hardy cont.


M28: Hardy cont.
W30: Hardy cont.
F November 1: Hardy cont. First paper due.


M4: Somerville and Ross, The Real Charlotte
W6: S&R cont.
F8: S&R cont.


M11: S&R cont.
W13: S&R cont.
F15: S&R cont.


M18: Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
W20: Wilde cont.
F22: Wilde cont.


M25: Dickens, A Christmas Carol
W27: (Thanksgiving)
F29: Thanksgiving


M December 2: Haggard, She
W4: Haggard cont.
F6: Haggard cont.


M9: Last Day. Haggard cont. Final paper due.
Final exam date to be announced.

Back to my English 55 course description.
Back to my home page.
Back to the English Department home page.