Frankenstein to Einstein: Literature and Science in the Nineteenth Century Hazel Hutchison

Frankenstein to Einstein Aspirations: ambitions and key ideas Practicalities: how does it work? Abstractions: successes, problems and lessons to be learned across the curriculum

Target course outcomes By the end of this course students will be able to: Read and appreciate a selection of literary texts engaging with scientific themes and interpret these against the cultural climate of the period. Read and understand a selection of contemporary source materials from the period and appreciate the cultural and political impact of these. Understand the literary techniques by which writers of the period engage with science. Appreciate the importance of cultural context in shaping scientific theory and practice. Understand the importance of literary texts and scientific writing in popularising science and widening the social debate on scientific developments. Discuss the connections between science and literature in the fiction, poetry and prose of the period. Handle complex issues concerning science and literature in the period both orally and in writing. Write, clearly, succinctly, grammatically and idiomatically.

Course texts Mary Shelley, Frankenstein Edmund Gosse, Father and Son Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World Charles Dickens, Hard Times H. Rider Haggard, King Solomon's Mines Emile Zola, La Bête Humaine Henry James, In the Cage H.G. Wells, The Time Machine Primary Sources Reader includes: Lavater, Buffon, Lyell, Darwin, Hugh Miller, Carlyle, Dickens, Spencer, Pearson, Einstein and others

Teaching across boundaries Students enjoy diversity But students need disciplines to develop intellectual skills Same goes for staff Structures change the way we work and think Money matters