Why do we read literature? The Roman poet Horace states that the purpose of art is to “delight and instruct.” We read novels not only to be entertained, but also to learn about our world. Throughout their history, novels have often served as warnings against inappropriate behavior. Not surprisingly, then, social transgression is a common theme in literature; characters break boundaries, they push the envelope, they lie, they cheat, they challenge. People are constantly questioning their role and status in society. Our course texts will look at scandals and outsiders. What do we learn by studying and analyzing these aspects in novels? How does this not only delight but also instruct?

Our novels range from Daniel Defoe’s Moll Flanders to Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway; this is a period of slightly over 200 years. By looking at this lengthy time span in literary history we will not only survey different historical periods and social constructs, but also follow the novel as a genre from its inception to the Modern Era, and see how writers themselves break boundaries, challenge rules and establish new ones. We will look at experimentation in narrative style and the subtle shifts in the genre that contribute to our understanding of what a “novel” should be.

This is a very reading and writing intensive course. Although not a prerequisite, prior completion of a composition course is highly recommended. In order to fulfill the University “W” requirement, students will be asked to complete ten to fifteen pages of out of class writing, with revision.

Required Course Texts:
Daniel Defoe - Moll Flanders, Norton, ISBN: 978-0-393-97862-9
Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice, Penguin, ISBN: 978-0-141-43951-8
Gustave Flaubert - Madame Bovary, Norton, ISBN: 978-0-393-97917-6
Edith Wharton - The Age of Innocence, Broadview, ISBN: 978-1-551-11336-4
Virginia Woolf - Mrs. Dalloway, Harvest, ISBN: 0156628708

The novels listed above will be available at the UW Bookstore, but if you choose to purchase your materials elsewhere, please use the ISBN numbers provided here. It is important that you obtain these editions since they contain required secondary criticism.