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Victorian Studies

Gustave Courbet, Young Ladies of the Village. CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Victorian Studies concentration
guides students in their exploration of the politics, culture, and society of Britain and the United States in the 19th century, a period during which both countries were undergoing massive expansion and change. Grounded in the significant relationship between history and literature, the concentration enables majors to plan their study around specific topics in these areas and in such diverse fields as economics, the history of science, anthropology, art history and visual culture, and photography.

Program Overview

Students in Victorian Studies moderate jointly with a divisional program
and are responsible for meeting the requirements of both programs.

  • Moderation Requirements
    Faculty from the divisional program and Victorian Studies sit on the Moderation board. Several elective courses in literature, history, anthropology, art history, and the history of science are cross-listed with Victorian Studies each semester. Before Moderation, a student concentrating in Victorian Studies should successfully complete two cross-listed courses. 
  • Senior Project
    Before writing a Senior Project, students are advised to take at least two Upper College seminars in Victorian Studies. Students are encouraged to approach the Victorian Studies faculty to arrange tutorials or independent study projects on topics of special interest, in preparation for the Senior Project. Two faculty members from Victorian Studies must be included on the Senior Project board.
  • Faculty
Faculty Spotlight

Faculty Spotlight

Richard Aldous

Herself Alone: Professor Richard Aldous Reviews New Margaret Thatcher Biography
Historian Richard Aldous reviews the third volume of Charles Moore’s biography of the iconic and divisive British prime minister. In 1987, Margaret Thatcher won a landslide third term as prime minister of the U.K. Beneath the sheen of triumph, however, her administration would be beset by decay.

FULL REVIEW IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL