Introductory description

This module pairs slow and sustained readings of Austen’s primary novels with extended readings in the culture of what we call “theory,” both eighteenth century and contemporary (post-1995). Beginning with Marilyn Butler’s Jane Austen and the War of Ideas (1975), we will situate Austen’s novels securely within intellectual history.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Term One: Austen in Theory, 1780-1810
Week Primary Text Secondary Reading
1: Marilyn Butler, Jane Austen and the War of Ideas
2: Sense and Sensibility, Hume
3: Sense and Sensibility, Hume
4: Sense and Sensibility, Smith
5: Pride and Prejudice, Smith
7: Pride and Prejudice, Wollstonecraft
8: Pride and Prejudice, Wollstonecraft
9: Mansfield Park, Burke
10: Mansfield Park, Burke

Term Two: Austen in Theory, 1995-Present
1: Mansfield Park, Said and Spivak
2: Emma, de Saussure and Derrida
3: Emma, Foucault
4: Emma, Irigaray and Cixous
5: Persuasion, Zizek
7: Persuasion, Latour and Wolfe
8: Persuasion, Williams and Jameson
9: Lady Susan, Judith Butler

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Acquire a thorough and sustained knowledge of Austen’s novels in their original and current intellectual tradition.
• Acquire understanding of the novel in the context of the development of Anglo-American and continental philosophy. Learn how to read literature theoretically, developing an independent interest in theoretical approaches.
• Develop critical reading and writing abilities while honing independent research skills.
• Establish an independent and increasingly confident grasp of honours-level scholarly standards.

Indicative reading list

Jane Austen, Emma.
---. Mansfield Park.
---.Persuasion.
---. Pride and Prejudice.
---. Sense and Sensibility.
Meredith Butler, Jane Austen and the War of Ideas
Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France.
David Hume, Essays: Moral, Political, Literary.
Vincent Leitch, ed., et al., The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism (3d edn.
Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Women.

Subject specific skills

Acquire a thorough and sustained knowledge of Austen’s novels in their original and current intellectual tradition.
Establish an understanding of the novel in the context of the development of Anglo-American and continental philosophy. Learn how to read literature theoretically.

Transferable skills

Adjust to honours-level scholarly standards
Build confidence in critical reading and writing abilities. Through guided activities, learn to structure independent research skills.