Graduate Methodologies in Culture and Arts S1A

Academic unit or major

Graduate major in Social and Human Sciences

Instructor(s)

Yuka Hiromoto

Class Format

Lecture (Face-to-face)

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

3-4 Mon (WL2-201(W621))

Class

-

Course Code

SHS.U463

Number of credits

100

Course offered

2026

Offered quarter

1Q

Syllabus updated

Apr 3, 2026

Language

Japanese

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

This course examines 'Northanger Abbey' (1817) by the British novelist Jane Austen, primarily through the lens of feminist criticism. Among Austen’s published works, this novel is particularly conscious of the low status accorded to women and to novelists; the course considers what is signified by the very apparent clarity of its polemical surface. At the same time, the course critically examines the validity of reading her writings through the lens of feminist criticism, given that she was highly regarded by male literary figures even in her lifetime.

In each session, students will read the relevant sections of the novel alongside key works of feminist criticism. Participants will give presentations based on handouts they have prepared, summarising the assigned section and their observations. At the end of every class, students are required to submit a short reflective response. They are also required to submit their final essay.

The course content is subject to change depending on the number of participants.

Course description and aims

Students will be able to read novels in English. They will also be able to engage in critical reading of literary works using critical theory.

Keywords

Jane Austen, British Fiction, Eighteenth-/Nineteenth-Century Literature, Fminist Criticism, 'Northanger Abbey'

Competencies

• Specialist skills
• Intercultural skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

In each session, students will read the relevant sections of the novel in English alongside key works of feminist criticism. Participants will give presentations based on handouts they have prepared, summarising the assigned section and their observations. At the end of every class, students are required to submit a short reflective response. They are also required to submit their final essay.

The course content is subject to change depending on the number of participants.

Course schedule/Objectives

Study advice (preparation and review)

To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.

Textbook(s)

Jane Austen, 'Northanger Abbey' (Penguin Classics, 2003)
ISBN: 978-014139792

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Handouts

Evaluation methods and criteria

Presentaion 30%, Reflective Responses 40%, Final Essay 30%

Related courses

• none

Prerequisites

None