This course will explore prose and poetry in the period between 1830 and 1930 in literary, social, historical and cultural context. The first half of the course will cover works drawn from high Victorian period (1830s-1880s) and the second half will study works written at the turn of the twentieth century and then the early twentieth century (1890s-1920s). In addition to close readings, we will pay special attention to historical and cultural contexts of literary works. The success of this course depends largely on students’ collaboration in synthesizing the knowledge of text and context. Toward the end of the semester, students are expected to reach a comprehensive understanding of Victorian literature and modern literature.