From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week, we consider the works of English author Virginia Woolf.
Woolf was born on January 25, 1882, in London, England and died on March 28, 1941, in Rodmell, Sussex, England.
She is best known for her innovative techniques and modernist style.
What
Some of Woolf’s well-known novels include Mrs. Dalloway, To The Lighthouse, and A Room of One’s Own.
Where
Woolf’s works mainly take place in London, England.
When
Many of these works are predominantly set in the early 20th century.
Why
Woolf’s works may be of interest to AU students who enjoy modernist writing and modernist literary techniques, such as stream-of-consciousness. Learners may also be interested in Woolf’s feminist thought, including her opinions on gender roles and class.
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the works of Virginia Woolf are available in a variety of disciplines, including those that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in in ENGL 393: The Early Twentieth-Century English Novel, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “focuses on the first four decades of the twentieth-century British novel, its history and development, its rich variety of forms and techniques, and the ideas and events that influenced it.” (Please note that this course requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Prose as prerequisites.)
Students may also be interested in ENGL395: The Nineteenth-Century English Novel, another senior-level, six-credit course, which “introduces the student to some of the major English novels of the nineteenth century.” (This course also requires ENL 211 and ENGL 212 as prerequisites.) Happy reading!
