ATS2200 · Victorian literature

Overview

In this unit you will examine texts published during Queen Victoria's reign of Britain (1837-1901), such as fiction, poetry, drama and periodicals. You will encounter novels published by canonical authors (e.g. Charles Dickens and the Bronte sisters), but will also consider how the period was characterised by diverse voices (e.g. Christina Rossetti) and varied literary forms and genres (e.g. the dramatic monologue and the Gothic). Reading Victorian literature enables the exploration of seismic developments in science, empire, politics and gender relations. The 'Victorian' can be also understood as a mindset: you will observe its continuing legacy in contemporary literature and culture.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify and analyse the major thematic paradigms of Victorian literature;
2. interpret Victorian texts in relation to their cultural and historical context at an advanced level;
3. apply some of the theoretical perspectives developed in literary and cultural studies disciplines to the critical analysis of Victorian literature;
4. produce high-level critical responses to Victorian literary genres including fiction and poetry.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.