Literature 1830 – 1900

This course aims to give you a knowledge of a range of texts from 1830-1900, an understanding of their social and cultural contexts, and the interpretative skills necessary to give sophisticated descriptions of them.

It is chosen to begin your programme since first year undergraduates tend to be familiar with twentieth century literature, but far less so with the nineteenth century literature which is its immediate precursor. The extent of the validity of generalising about ‘the Victorians’ will be considered throughout the course.

Students are encouraged to think themselves into the period by availing themselves of the many means of doing so open to anyone living in London.