Harvey Mudd College: Literature 117

Possible Report Sites, January 2012

Below, we've listed two ideas about possible report sites for each group. These are sites with which we are familiar, and we know that we can schedule visits to them in the time available to us. Please note, however, that we are open to other ideas: if you'd like to do some research and make an alternate suggestion about your site, feel free. But before you get too far in your research, it would be advisable to talk to one of us. We may know something about the site itself, but we can also look at its location and difficulty of access and make a quick decision on whether it will fit into our schedule or not. Visits to museum or library sites will necessarily feature an introduction to the relevant sections of the collections before we enter as a group.


Group 1: Time, Speed, and Distance.
  • The Regents Canal (we could access the canal at one of several operable lock systems, but most likely at Camden Lock).
  • The London Transport Museum (this visit would be dependent on current group ticket prices).

Group 2: Books, Magazines, and Print.
  • The Charles Dickens Museum, London (slightly risky, as this obviously relevant and interesting site will be refurbished between April 10 and December, 2012).
  • The British Library (the Ritblat Gallery offers a permanent exhibition of some amazing books and manuscripts, including ones by Dickens and Hardy; there are usually other interesting public exhibits up as well).

Group 3: Urbanization.
  • The London Underground (we could visit an early station and discuss the evolution and construction of the underground; part of this report could involve transit between two stations).
  • Kensal Green Cemetery (this topic would include discussion about the overcrowding of London's burial grounds by the beginning of the nineteenth century).

Group 4: Rural Life.
  • The Tolpuddle Martyrs (this topic involves a famous, early, and failed attempt to organize agricultural labor; the report would take place in the Old Crown Court and Cells in Dorchester).
  • Athelhampton House (a good example of a country manor house; this visit would be dependent on current group ticket prices).

Group 5: Art and Architecture.
  • St. Pancras Railway Station (one of the great architectural and engineering masterpieces of the Victorian Age).
  • The Tate Britain (this gallery has large and significant holdings in romantic and Pre-Raphaelite art).

Group 6: Science, Natural Philosophy, and Religion.
  • Science Museum, London (this visit would entail the identification of Victorian exhibits, such as Charles Babbage's difference engine, relevant to our course).
  • The Tower Bridge (this report would focus on Victorian engineering; there are other related sites, such as Brunel's Thames Tunnel and Bazalgette's Thames Embankment; let us know if you'd like to brainstorm ideas).

 
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