Victorian Literary Heroines

BA (1.2), A4, A7; BA IS; Lehramt (A4, A4a; VM Lit; MAIAS electives
PS 2st, Do 10-12 in S 1.31 (Prieserstraße)
WS 2016/2017
Universität Bayreuth

First Meeting: 20.10.2016

The 19th century can be described as a century of changes. In this course we will look at literary works featuring women which go against the existing moral and social values of their time. The representation of gender roles in connection with family, education and social status will be our major focus when dealing with these literary heroines. By the help of theoretical essays we will work out how gender is constructed in society and which parameters are decisive in order to initiate a change in thinking.

Texts to be obtained by students:
Charlotte Brontë. Jane Eyre
Elizabeth Gaskell. Mary Barton
Anne Brontë. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall