Nineteenth Century British Novel

Fall 2004

Bro. Nicholas Koss

Course Description:

        This course is an introduction to important British novelists of the 19th century.  Novelists to be studies are: Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), Jane Austen (1775-1817), Charles Dickens (1812-70), Charlotte (1816-55) and Emily (1818-48) Bronte, George Eliot (1819-80) and Samuel Butler (1835-1902).  The major focus of this course will be helping the student to develop her/his ability to analyze a novel.  We will also examine the process of composition for these novels and look at their, if any, critical editions.

        Each student will select one critical approach and practice it throughout the semester on the novels being read.  Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the 19th-century England as well as its social, political, economic, educational and religious situation.

Assignments:

        Students will give oral and written reports each week.  The written reports will then be the basis for two longer papers (10-15 pages each), one to be turned in November 22 and the other at the end of the semester.

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Attendance:

        Class attendance is expected.  If a student is not able to come to class the instructor should be notified by e-mail before the class.  Two unexcused absences will make it difficult for the student to pass this course.

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Grading Policy:

  • Class Participation
20%
  • Oral Reports
25%
  • Written Reports
25%
  • Two Long Papers
30 %