All readings and assignments are due before class on the date they appear below. Schedule is subject to change.
Unit 1: Gaskell and Dickens
In our first unit, you will become familiar with major social, economic, and political issues emerging in the 1840s and 1850s through your reading of novels by two major authors: Elizabeth Gaskell and Charles Dickens. You will develop research strategies for interrogating the social, economic, and political issues presented in Victorian literature and become familiar the complex relationships between Victorian fiction and Victorian history.
Week 1 (Aug 25-29)
Aug 25: 1st day of class
Aug 29: last day to add
Monday
Topic: Introduction
Begin reading Cranford
Wednesday
Topic: Reading Cranford in Context
Friday
Topic: Reading Elizabeth Gaskell
Complete: Cranford (Ch. 1-5)
Week 2 (Sep 1-5)
Monday [HOLIDAY]
Holiday: read Cranford
Wednesday
Topic: Social Conduct and Women’s Issues
Complete: Cranford (Appendix E: Class, Conduct, and Etiquette)
Friday
Topic: Formulating a thesis on Cranford
Complete: Cranford (Ch. 6-16)
Week 3 (Sep 8-12)
Monday
Topic: Design Reform
Begin reading Hard Times
Wednesday
Topic: Reading Hard Times
Friday
Complete: Hard Times (Book 1)
Week 4 (Sep 15-19)
Monday
Topic: The Industrial Age
Complete: Hard Times (Appendix C.1a: Carlyle’s “Signs of the Times” and C.11: Ruskin’s “Unto This Last”)
Wednesday
Topic: Industrialization
Complete: Hard Times (Appendix C.6: Engel’s “Condition of the Working Class” and C.9: Martineau’s “Factory Controversy”
Friday
Topic: Formulating a thesis on Hard Times
Complete: Hard Times (Books 2 and 3)
Week 5 (Sep 22-26)
Sep 23: Last day to drop without record
Monday
Peer review, supplemental material chosen by class
Wednesday
Peer review, supplemental material chosen by class
Friday
Project 1 Due
Unit 2: George Eliot and Braddon
In our second unit, you will narrow your research interests in the Victorian period to three major terms / issues. You will conduct research that leads you to primary texts published in the nineteenth century, which may include letters, diaries, newspaper and magazine articles, legislation, conduct manuals, and many other possibilities.
Week 6 (Sep 29-Oct 3)
Monday
Topic: Introduction to George Eliot
Begin reading The Mill on the Floss
Wednesday
Topic: Research Methods
Friday (Hybrid)
Instead of attending class today, please email me three issues or themes that interest you in the Victorian period, and link to one secondary source (preferably a recent book). Continue reading The Mill on the Floss!
Week 7 (Oct 6-Oct 10)
Monday
Complete: The Mill on the Floss (Books I-IV)
Wednesday
Topic: Exploring primary texts and social issues
Friday
Complete: The Mill on the Floss (Books V-VII)
Week 8 (Oct 13-17)
Oct 15: Mid-Term Grades due
Monday
Topic: Introduction to the Sensation Novel
Begin reading Lady Audley’s Secret
Wednesday
Topic: Secondary Research Methods
Friday
Complete: Lady Audley’s Secret (Vol. I)
Week 9 (Oct 20-24)
Monday
Complete: Bring two secondary texts related to Lady Audley’s Secret
Wednesday
Topic: Writing research notes
Friday
Complete: Lady Audley’s Secret (Vol. II-III)
Week 10 (Oct 27-31)
Monday (HYBRID)
Conferences
Wednesday (HYBRID)
Conferences
Friday (HYBRID)
Conferences
Unit 3: Hardy
In our third unit, you will put together the skills you developed in the first two units to complete a robust research essay that focuses on Victorian social issues, while synthesizing examples from three of the novels, in addition to incorporating external primary and secondary research.
Week 11 (Nov 3-Nov 7)
Monday
DUE: Please email me your completed Footnote Essay by 11:59 on Nov. 3.
Begin Tess of the d’Urbervilles
Wednesday
Tess of the d’Urbervilles
Friday
Complete: Tess of the d’Urbervilles (Books I-III)
Week 12 (Nov 10-14)
Nov 11: Veteran’s Day Holiday
Monday (Holiday)
Take the day off
Wednesday (Hybrid)
Professor at NAVSA
Continue reading Tess of the d’Urbervilles and explore options for your final essay.
Friday (Hybrid)
Professor at NAVSA
Submit, by email, a one paragraph proposal for your final 10-page paper. Submit before 5pm.
Week 13 (Nov 17-21)
Monday
Powerpoint: Reading Hardy
Complete: Tess of the d’Urbervilles (Books IV-VII)
Wednesday
Tess of the d’Urbervilles
Optional: Appendix H, Women, Sexuality, and Fiction
Friday
Tess of the d’Urbervilles
Thanksgiving Break (Nov 24-28)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Week 14 (Dec 1-5)
Monday
Conferences, peer review
Wednesday
Conferences, peer review
Friday
Project 3 due: Email me by 11:59pm.
Week 15 (Dec 8-12)
Dec 12: Last day of class
Monday
Junior Portfolio; English Awards; SURCA; Poster Tips; Professional Writing
Wednesday
TBA
Friday
Reflection Letter Due: Email me by 11:59pm
At the end of the semester, you will write a reflection letter addressed to your professor that highlights your achievements this semester. You will include at least 3 quotes from your essays this semester to illustrate how your skills and methods have changed or developed.
Format: Business letter, 1-2 pages single-spaced (block paragraphs)