In this course we’ll read several crucial books by Virginia Woolf and end the quarter with playful fiction by one of Woolf’s recent editors, British “bad girl” novelist, Jeanette Winterson. Discussion will focus on portrayals of characters’ interior selves, understandings of modernism and post-modernism, and connections between readers and the stories they create from the novels they read. The course meets the “theories and methods” requirement for English majors and is also open to all who are fascinated by Woolf or Winterson (or their notoriety).

Students will choose between writing two shorter or one longer paper, and will give 2 class presentations. Come expecting lively discussion, differences of opinion and a chance to read some wonderful writing. Books will probably include Moments of Being,, Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and Orlando (Woolf) and Sexing the Cherry, The Passion and Written on the Body (Winterson).