Course Description
Study of a topic related to the history, form, development, or theory of the novel before 1900. Depending on the instructor and the topic, the course may concentrate on a particular historical setting or theoretical orientation, or it may range broadly across time, place, or theoretical approach.
Athena Title
Novel Before 1900
Prerequisite
Two 2000-level ENGL courses or (one 2000-level ENGL course and one 3000-level ENGL course) or (one 2000-level ENGL course and one 2000-level CMLT course)
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course provides students a focused approach to a major movement, concern, or issue related to the novel, the most popular and influential literary from of the past three centuries. Students will develop their critical appreciation and understanding of the novel as a mode of literary art. Through graded assignments students will polish their skills as readers of literary texts and as writers concerned with literary analysis.
Topical Outline
The topics will vary widely from instructor to instructor. Literary works will be read outside of class and discussed in class, examined individually and comparatively. Students will perform a number of graded tasks, including tests and out-of- class papers. Sample topic a: Fictional Realism (Novels by Richardson, Austen, George Eliot, Howells; theory and criticism by Baudelaire, George Eliot, James, Lukacs, F.R. Leavis, Michael Riffaterre).