Course description

The first module will take into consideration two works by authors distant in time but who share a similar concern with the ways in which class divisions underscore the socio-political problems of their time. Whilst Dickens's novel explores the consequences of Utilitarian thought on the education of young children, Orwell's novel reveals the extent to which the manipulation of thought and language lies at the very heart of a totalitarian state.

The second module takes into consideration the development of the science fiction genre of which H.G. Wells is the forerunner. Both Wells and Huxley incorporate scientific elements in their fiction in order to heighten the verisimilitude of their narrative works and both create imaginary worlds set up as a warning of the future dystopic transformations of our society.

The division of the course into two separate modules does not, of course, preclude the possibility of considering the intertextual connections of the works chosen. Therefore, students will be encouraged to reflect on the thematic convergences as well as the literary and ideological objectives behind their composition