Fall 2005

E 370W • Major Authors: Virginia Woolf

Course Description

This course will examine the critical and fictional works of Virginia Woolf. We will also be examining Woolf's continuing legacy and influence. Some of the areas of inquiry the class will be exploring are the value and limitations of high modernism, English literary heritage and tradition, feminism, creative and critical definitions of gender and sexuality, intellectual activism (Woolfs critiques of patriarchy, war, fascism), Woolf and imperialism-colonialism.

Grading Policy

One 3-5-page review of a Woolf essay of your choice 15%
Ungraded 1-page paper abstract
One (10-12-page) paper 60%
Active, substantial, and significant participation 25%

I reserve the right to give spontaneous, in-class quizzes if silence appears to be a lack of preparedness. Three absences will drop you a full letter grade; four or more absences will guarantee your failure of this class. No late papers will be accepted.

Texts

The Voyage Out, Mrs. Dalloway, Jacob's Room, To the Lighthouse, The Waves, Orlando, Between the Acts, A Room of One's Own (criticism), Three Guineas (criticism), Selected essays

Recommended Films:
Sally Potter, Orlando
Stephen Daldry's adaptation of Michael Cunningham's The Hours

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