The purpose of this course is to give students a sample of the rich and fascinating body of literature that was produced during the Victorian period. Accordingly, we will range through a selection of genres, including non-fiction prose, poetry, drama, and of course the novella and the novel. In doing so, we will also dig into what I hope is a well-rounded sampling of themes that animated the social discourse of the day, including but not limited to empire and colonialism, political and electoral reform, the condition of the working class, challenges to traditional gender roles, the confrontation of science and religion, and the nature and purpose of art.
- Teacher: Rodger Wilkie