The rise and fall of Oscar Wilde
Time: 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: HLT292
- Dates: 22/04/24 - 10/06/24
- Time: 12:30 - 14:30
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 8 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Julian Birkett
Course Code: HLT292
Duration: 6 sessions (over 8 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
We’ll be studying the extraordinary life and work of Oscar Wilde in the context of Victorian culture and morality.
What will we cover?
We’ll read and discuss two texts that epitomise Wilde at his brilliant height and at his lowest ebb: his novel of secrecy and immorality The Picture of Dorian Gray, and his moving open letter from prison De Profundis. We’ll also look at poems, stories and extracts from his classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand the context of Victorian culture and morality of that time
Relate what we have read to other works of late Victorian literature
Feel confident to read more widely in this area.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For those who enjoy reading and discussing literature and are interested in sharing ideas and listening to the views of others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Short lecture, whole group and small group work, video clips, reading in class. You will be asked to read the selected texts in the week or two before the class. We’ll also be viewing extracts from screen versions of Wilde’s plays and of his life.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Students should buy or borrow the following text:
The Picture of Dorian Gray (Penguin)
Handouts and internet links will also be provided by the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please look for other literature courses under History, Culture and Writing/Literature at www.citylit.ac.uk.
Julian Birkett is a teacher and writer specialising in modern literature. He previously worked in the Arts department at the BBC as a producer of series such as The Late Show, Modern Poets in their Own Words, The Victorians and The Culture Show. He has taught in London and at the University of Mumbai.He aims to create a friendly but thoughtful atmosphere in his City Lit classes and to provide a stimulating variety of activities from tutor input to discussion to group work and video clips.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.