Ways into Advanced Literature: the dawning of modernity

About this course

The course studies Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, Henry James’s Washington Square and Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth, considering how each text reflects changing social attitudes between the late Victorian era and the early twentieth century in America and Europe. Discussion includes gender roles, social restrictions and perceptions of women. Teaching combines short introductory lectures with presentation slides, whole-class discussion and smaller group work. Weekly readings and preparatory questions support sessions focused on narrative structure, characterisation, language, dramatic form and the relationship between playtext and performance.

What you'll learn

• Analyse literary texts through close reading for meaning
• Relate the set texts to their social and historical contexts
• Examine narrative structure and character development in fiction
• Interpret aspects of dramatic form and the relationship between a playtext and performance
• Develop and deliver a short seminar presentation on a studied topic

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners who have already undertaken some study of literature or a related Humanities subject and want to develop their analytical skills further. Participation includes listening to and contributing to whole-class and small-group discussion, with weekly reading and preparation. A 5 to 10-minute seminar presentation is available but not compulsory.

• Some previous literary or related Humanities study is ideally expected
• Weekly set reading and preparation are part of the course
• Learners can choose to give a short seminar presentation

Before you go

• Learners should buy or borrow copies of A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen, Washington Square by Henry James and The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton.
• Additional materials will be provided by the lecturer.