The 19th century country house in British culture

Step inside the world of the country house. From architectural innovation to art, politics to fiction (Jane Austen’s drawing rooms and the Brontes' attics), the country house was central to the nineteenth century.

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Key course information

Dates
13/01/12 - 23/03/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
11 weeks

Time
13:30 - 15:30

Fees
Full fee: £110
Senior fee: £62
Concession: £30

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HH012

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course offers a, sometimes irreverent, exploration of the role of the country house in the nineteenth century. As the homes and retreats of the landed elites who still dominated politics and society, the country house occupied a pivotal cultural position in the century, a position wittily and satirically celebrated by many of the novelists of the period.

What topics will we cover?

* The changing social, political and economic base of the country house. Topics examined may include: the changing role of the `powerhouse` in politics and society; the duties of the landowner; the complexities of marriage and inheritance; the ascent of the industrial revolution’s `nouveaux riches`; the country house weekend.
* The exhuberant architecture of the nineteenth century country house. We will explore the work of a number of architects possibly including AWN Pugin, Sir Charles Barry, Edward Blore, Anthony Salvin, Richard Norman Shaw and William Burges. We will also explore the medley of styles popular in the nineteenth century: Classical, Picturesque,`Tudorbethan`, `Wrenaissance`, `Queen Anne` and Old English.
* Literature and the country house: we will explore the country house in the work of novelists such as Trollope, Dickens, Jane Austen, Thackeray and Henry James as well as lesser known writers like Surtees (Mr Sponge`s Sporting Tour) and Thomas Love Peacock (Headlong Hall).
* The role of the landed gentry in politics and world affairs: the country house as the location for decisions and deals, notably at Lord Salisbury`s Hatfield House and the Duke of Omnium`s `Gatherum Castle`.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Explain the role of the country house in the nineteenth century
Identify some satirical themes of the country house in contemporary novels
Discuss aspects of nineteenth century architecture and architects.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

All you need is an interest in the history, architecture and culture of the country house. This is an `introductory` course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. As with most of our courses, enthusiasm, and an enquiring mind are more important than specific levels of skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be based on presentations using images of houses and the use of materials such as short extracts from novels, architectural plans and (often convoluted) family trees. There will be plenty of space for contributions from the participants.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No, although you may get more out of the course if you explore some of the novels and themes in your own time.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Other courses in the 'Nineteenth century studies' section. For further details please see the prospectus or check the website at www.citylit.ac.uk.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.