The Rise of the Novel

 Course Description

The course aims at introducing the student to a few novels of the 1800s, especially their backgrounds, historical and cultural milieus, which give rise to these works as well as their significant aspects and the purposes they served.  The novels (selected from the suggested texts below) are taught analytically in the light of Forster’s Aspects of the Novel in order to familiarize the student with the fundamentals of the genre as well as to help the student from critical opinions about the novels’ historical, cultural, literary and analytical merits. 

Course Aims

1. Explain the genesis and early development as well as the fundamentals of the English novel
2. Explain terms such as plot, characterization, setting and narrative style   
3. Discuss terms such as plot, characterization, setting and narrative style in relation to specific novels.
4. Identify characteristics of the eighteenth century novel in relation to its social and political context
5. Apply the range of theoretical and critical approaches in relation to the study of the novel.
6. Write a short research paper on novels

Learning Outcomes

1. The genesis and early development as well as the fundamentals of the English novel.
2. Understanding of the characteristics of the novel as a literary genre.
3. Relevant intellectual issues as well as features of eighteenth century novel in relation of its social and political issues
4. The ability to think critically and analytically
5. Ability to make sound analogies and comparisons between different novels and different writers
6. Ability to apply different critical approaches to the study of fiction
7. A range of theoretical and critical approaches in relation to the study of the novel