Hillsdale College Launches New Online Course On Work Of Jane Austen
Course examines Austen’s first work, Northanger Abbey
Hillsdale, Mich. – Hillsdale College announced the launch of its newest online course, “The Young Jane Austen: Northanger Abbey.” This is the latest addition to Hillsdale’s catalog of free, not-for-credit online courses and has 17,973 enrollments thus far.
“Jane Austen’s work endures for a reason—it reveals timeless truth about human nature, said Jon Lewis, director of digital marketing. “We’re excited to offer our Hillsdale College online students the chance to explore her writing with our distinguished faculty.”
The course is taught by associate professor of English Lorraine Murphy with an introduction by Hillsdale College president Larry P. Arnn. Over six lectures, the course examines the cultural context and literary influences that shaped Jane Austen’s first novel, Northanger Abbey. Published near the end of her life, Austen’s initial foray into novel writing is a parody of the popular romantic fiction of her time that, while dramatized, offers an enlightening perspective on the truths of human nature and ordinary life.
About the Online Courses
Hillsdale College’s free, not-for-credit online courses feature lectures from many of the College’s award-winning faculty across various disciplines, including politics, history, economics, religion and literature. The courses attract thousands of students every day, with total enrollment numbers at 1.5 million students from across the globe. For more information on Hillsdale College’s online courses, click here.