An Introduction to Jane Austen

Overview

2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. This course introduces learners to Austen’s novels, while enabling them to reflect on the way in which the author’s reputation has changed over time. Through structured reading and group discussion, learners will be introduced to numerous critical approaches to Austen’s work. Learners will also be encouraged to produce their own analyses of Austen’s novels through the written assignment and discussion boards. Through a series of lectures and seminars with an experienced and published tutor, learners will develop an understanding of Austen’s writing, of the contexts in which her novels were produced and of the main critical approaches to her work.

Programme

During the course, learners will cover the following topics and works:

Week 1: Introduction. This session will provide students with an introduction to Austen’s life and work.

Week 2: Sense and Sensibility. We will look at the traditions of Classicism and Romanticism and consider their influence in this text.

Week 3: Pride and Prejudice: We will focus particularly on class and gender in Austen’s writing and the influence of these two forces on the world reflected in this novel.

Week 4: Austen in Context(s). We will deepen our exploration of some of the social, political and cultural contexts of Austen’s work.

Week 5: Mansfield Park. We will assess themes such as country versus city, morality and money as explored in this text. We will also consider the various responses to novel’s heroine, Fanny Price.

Week 6: Emma. We will use this novel to look in depth at the themes of marriage and social status in Austen’s writing. We will also extend our understanding of Austen’s approach to characterization.

Week 7: Adaptations and Re-imaginings of Austen. We will look at some of the ways in which Austen has been adapted for different eras and mediums.

Week 8: Northanger Abbey. We will explore the Gothic tradition and its relevance to this novel, while also considering Austen’s use of humour.

Week 9: Persuasion. We will focus particularly on social class and social mobility in relation to this novel. We will also extend our consideration of Austen and feminism.

Week 10: Outro: We will draw together the themes of the course, while also considering some potential future directions for Austen’s reputation.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of Austen’s major novels and an ability to discuss these verbally and in writing using basic literary concepts including structure, voice, style and characterization.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply a variety of different critical and theoretical approaches to Austen’s writing.
3. Show an awareness of and ability to discuss the historical and cultural contexts in which Austen’s novels were produced.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which Austen’s work has been re-interpreted and re-imagined in different historical periods. 

Assessments

1. Written Assessment - 80%
2. Discussion board Contribution - 20%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.