Explore the life and times of early 19^th century England, exploring the art, poetry and writings known as Romanticism. Far from the frills and flourishes associated with the period, artists and authors will surprise with their intense, and often caustic views, of a newly-emerging modern world. 

This survey course considers the varied artistry found on “…this precious stone set in a silver sea.’ (Richard II, 2, i). Under a remarkably stable royal succession, England rose to world prominence in the 19th century as a military, cultural and industrial leader. With that achievement came an unrivaled body of artistic works and literature celebrating a uniquely British world view. ‘Romantic’ by definition, artists like Turner and Constable, writers like Dickens and John Stewart Mill, and poets like Wordsworth and Shelly determinedly redefined the visual and literary narratives of previous centuries. Students will trace the evolution of 1800’s British culture, while examining innovations in artistic expression (Proto-Impressionism, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Symbolism, Art Nouveau), reciting the poetry of Browning, Arnold, Hopkins and others (best when read aloud), and reading essays by prominent Victorian thinkers, like Darwin and Nightingale, who helped set the stage for a new, modern century.

A syllabus and reading list will be provided in advance of class.