OSHER 356 - Jane Austen: Her Life, World, and Mid-life Novels

Take a trip into the late 18th and early 19th centuries as we explore Jane Austen's life, novels, and the world she lived in. Each week a short introductory lecture will be followed by a discussion of her novels. We will focus on "Pride and Prejudice", "Lady Susan", and "Mansfield Park'. Lectures will concentrate on her life and the historical context of her books, such as why Mr. Collins has to inherit Longbourne, why Fanny Price is so worried about going to a dance, and why Miss Bingley has no right to be so very high and mighty. Enhance the classroom exerience by reading the novels and watching movie adaptations outside of class.