This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Come and explore comprehensively the “elemental genius” of Jane Austen (to use G. K. Chesterton’s phrase). Over two semesters, we will study in-depth both the major and the minor works of Jane Austen.
Total classes: 12
Prerequisite: Willingness to read the assigned materials
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: One full semester of Literature
Description
Come and explore comprehensively the “elemental genius” of Jane Austen (to use G. K. Chesterton’s phrase). Over two semesters, we will study in-depth both the major and the minor works of Jane Austen. In this first course, we will study the Juvenilia (early writings) of Austen as well as three of her novels: Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice. We will spend time as well as exploring the legacy of Jane Austen, her biography, and her moral and literary impact upon Western culture. Ruthlessly critical attention will be paid to any and all film adaptations of her works. In addition to cultivating artistic appreciation and a love of reading, this class facilitates the development of critical reasoning, the disciplined use of the imagination, and a strong knowledge of historical and literary context.
Outline
WEEK 1: Introduction, Love & Friendship and other Juvenilia (provided in Moodle)
WEEK 2: Lady Susan & The Watsons
WEEK 3: Northanger Abbey, Chapters 1-10.
WEEK 4: Northanger Abbey, Chapters 11-21.
WEEK 5: Northanger Abbey, Chapter 22-31.
WEEK 6: Sense and Sensibility, Chapters 1-22
WEEK 7: Sense and Sensibility, Chapters 23-36
WEEK 8: Sense and Sensibility, Chapters 37-50
WEEK 9: Pride and Prejudice, Chapters 1-17
WEEK 10: Pride and Prejudice, Chapters 18-34
WEEK 11: Pride and Prejudice, Chapters 35-46
WEEK 12: Pride and Prejudice, Chapters 47-61, Review, Conclusion
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: The complete works of Jane Austen are available online for free via Project Gutenberg.
Any edition of Northanger Abbey is acceptable.
The Ignatius Critical Editions of the following novels are strongly recommended (but not required):
Sense and Sensibility: ISBN-13: 978-1586178383
Pride and Prejudice: ISBN-13: 978-1586172633
Homework: Expect to spend approximately 3 hours per week on homework. This will mostly be reading, weekly identification quizzes, a handful of other small assignments, a concluding quiz/assignment, and recommended participation in Moodle-based forums. Students can also sign up for an optional literary essay with 6 weeks to complete.
