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ENG470H1S  L0101  W2-4
Advanced  Studies Group 5: Darwin & Literature
Prof. C. Schmitt
Office Location: Jackman Humanities Building, 170 St. George Street, Room 627
Phone Number: 416-946-3494
E-mail: cannon.schmitt@utoronto.ca 

Brief Description of Course: An intensive engagement with the work of Charles Darwin and its impact on the literary imagination. Two units: the first, “Darwin as Literature,” devoted to Darwin’s travel writing, biology, and autobiography; the second, “Darwin and Literature,” devoted to (mostly) novels by writers deeply influenced by evolutionary theory. We will emerge from the course with a clearer understanding of Darwinian evolution as initially conceived as well as of the variety and intensity of responses to it by some of the keenest literary minds of Darwin’s time and just after.

Required Reading: Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the Beagle, On the Origin of Species, The Descent of Man (selections), and Autobiography; George Eliot, Middlemarch; Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure; H. G. Wells, The Island of Dr. Moreau. Critical and theoretical readings including selections from Gillian Beer, Darwin’s Plots; George Levine, Darwin Loves You; Adam Philips, Darwin’s Worms; and others. Texts will be ordered through Toronto Women’s Bookstore (73 Harbord Street; [416] 922-8744). Please purchase the editions specified on the syllabus.

Web Site Address: Check the course Blackboard site when it becomes available.

First Three Authors/Texts: Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the Beagle, On the Origin of Species, The Descent of Man (selections).

Method of Instruction: Primarily seminar (i.e., focused class discussion) supplemented as needed by brief lectures on specific topics.

Method of Evaluation: Regular short writing assignments; a longer essay; an in-class presentation.

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