General provisions

The course is included in the Master's Programme in English.

Entry requirements

English C or 90 credits in a language subject or in comparative literature

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the module students will be able to

• show knowledge and understanding of nineteenth century culture and literature;
• show understanding of contemporary critical theories and methods in literary studies and the study of material culture;
• demonstrate skills in conducting independent research in literary studies.
• show proficiency in their use of critical material in a written literary analysis
• show a good ability to participate, orally and in writing, in a discussion of literary works in fluent English.

Content

The world of Victorian things was a global one: the material culture of Victorian Britain shaped our global culture today. Advances in technology and communication, in government and commerce, all contributed to create a global culture, then and now. Studying Victorian writing and things we can learn, as Asa Briggs writes, to see the ‘intelligible universe’ or tangible world of the past. Each term the course is organised around specific objects and topics, which structure our reading, e.g. railways, industry, cities, collections and collectors, countryside.

The course involves students in first-hand research in the material culture of the nineteenth century as they work on Victorians periodicals in Carolina Rediviva as well as working with sophisticated online resources for the study of Victorian literature and culture. The work combines learning to handle archival materials with understanding the opportunities digital technologies provide for modern work.

Instruction

Group sessions. Instruction, class discussions, and examinations are in English. All teaching materials are in English.

Assessment

Students complete one essay and an independent research project during the course. The research project is carried out using nineteenth century collections available in Carolina Rediviva. Grades are fail, pass, or pass with distinction.

Students who fail a regular examination will be offered a make-up examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination.

Students who fail an examination twice have the right to apply to the head of the department for permission to change examiners or examination forms.

Other regulations

If the curriculum or the course literature for a course module is changed, students have the right to be examined on the original curriculum and course literature on three occasions during the following three terms. After these three opportunities, the right normally expires. No other limitations apply regarding the number of examination opportunities.

Transitional provisions

Please contact the student counsellor for transitional regulations in connection with changes in the curriculum.