Department of English

At once acutely aware of popular culture and a product of it, Jane Austen adapted and read many popular forms, from Gothic horror to raucous satire to popular theater. She also was acutely interested in what it meant to move across media, and as a result her characters engage not only with ballrooms and playhouses but also with music, dance, painting, landscape, and theaters of war. In our seminar, therefore, we'll begin by reading some of Austen's sources before moving on to her fiction and to the myriad of adaptations that have been made of her work since 1995. We'll read at least six of Austen's novels, as well as a bit of her correspondence. We will also sample widely in the strange and wild world of prequels, sequels, and other literary tributes. Certainly we will engage several of the films, not to mention mash-ups, comics, video and board games, choose-your-own adventure books, tarot cards, social media sites.

This course is an ideal introduction to English at Penn, whether you are thinking of majoring or just looking to take a course or two. Required work: short writing assignments and two essays.

 Evening screenings Wednesdays 6-9:30 pm in DRLB A7

 MW 10-11:00 meets in FBH room 401

Recitations:

 Engl 101.402 F 10-11:00 meets in FBH 323, Najnin Islam

Engl 101.403 F 10-11:00 meets in FBH 322, Erika Smith

Engl 101. 404 F 10-11:00 meets in FBH 406, Sarah Townsend

Engl 101. 405 F 10-11:00 meets in FBH 224, Mary Zaborskis

TA Office Assignments:

Najnin Islam FBH 312

Erika Smith FBH 312

Sarah Townsend FBH 331

Mary Zaborskis FBH 331