This course explores the rich, experimental fiction of Virginia Woolf through three of her most significant novels: Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and Between the Acts. We begin with her high Modernist masterpieces—Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse—where Woolf redefined narrative structure, time, and consciousness in literature. We then turn to her final novel, Between the Acts, a poignant meditation on art, history, and national identity written on the eve of World War II. As we closely analyze these texts, we will also engage with Woolf’s biography—her personal struggles, her involvement with the Bloomsbury Group, and her reflections on gender, mental health, and war—using this context to deepen our understanding of the fiction. Through a blend of literary analysis and biographical study, students will gain insight into Woolf’s artistic evolution and the broader cultural and historical currents shaping her work. No prior knowledge of Woolf or Modernism is required—only a willingness to read closely, think critically, and explore boldly.

An additional day has been added to the class in order to allow more time for discussion. The extra class day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM. There are no additional readings.

3 Sessions | Wednesdays | 1 PM - 3 PM

OCT 1 | Mrs. Dalloway
NOV 5 | To the Lighthouse
DEC 3 | Between the Acts

Wednesdays, 3 sessions: October 1, November 5, and December 3 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
In person and simulcast