08:332: Topics in Victorian Literature: Spring 2001
Victorian Periodicals and Their Readers
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Course Requirements
Five commentaries Due Dates: Jan 30 Feb 15 Mar 8 Apr 3 Apr 17
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60% | The class is structured as a balance between shared reading/discussion and in-the-trenches research. As we draw to the end of each “unit” on the syllabus, we’ll generate a list of questions based loosely on the topics under discussion and specifically on questions about the decade suggested by the particular novel we read together. Then you’ll head to the library to explore the periodical(s) of your choice during that decade. Your commentaries should have two parts. The first page should provide background information about the periodical you’re examining. You can find much of this information in the guide to literary periodicals, which will be held for you at the Reference Desk. You’ll also find information about some of the journals in the The Wellesley Guide to Victorian Periodicals, 1837-1900 (Z2005. H6 On line, Software 3143 CD ROM). In addition, the first issue of a periodical often includes a prospectus which clarifies its affiliations and character. (If you’ll email me the title, the years and volume numbers of the volumes we hold, and the location, I’ll add these to our master list.) The second, longer part of your response will be your answers to the questions we’ve generated in class and posted on our website. Choose those which appeal to you given the periodical you’re considering. Everyone is required to do five commentaries, but you can choose your three strongest as the basis for this portion of your grade. |
| Participation | 10% | The best graduate classes are those in which each person takes responsibility for sharing ideas, asking questions, fostering lively debate, and encouraging each other to take chances. |
Final Essay Abstract Apr 5 Conference Apr 24 Final Essay May 10
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30% | The final essay will be a conference length paper—which means approximately 10 pages apart from notes. A one-page abstract will be due on our discussion page for comments previously along with a tentative bibliography. We’ll hold a conference in the last weeks of class so that you’ll have the benefit of class members’ thoughts as you revise. Final papers are due Wednesday, May 9. (Your commentaries should help you locate a topic.) We’ll also discuss appropriate conferences for your paper, and I’ll encourage you to send an abstract to a conference you find compelling. |
Copyright © 2001 Teresa Mangum, The University of Iowa. All rights reserved.