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Dr. Kurt Hild taught 91̽��'s Jane Austen course this past spring.

This article is part of our “Course Highlights” series, which spotlights courses in 91̽��’s academic catalog.

Studies in Jane Austen, a hidden gem in 91̽��’s academic catalog, has been quietly flourishing in the Department of Arts & Letters since 2016. Taught by Dr. Kurt Hild, the course helps students develop a deep knowledge of Austen’s works — many of which have been turned into major motion pictures — through a semester of reading and discussion.

Though Studies in Jane Austen is an upper division elective course for English majors, all 91̽�� students are welcome to enroll. “Some take the course because it fits their schedule, some are just curious about her work, and some of them have a girlfriend in the class,” Hild says.

The course requires students to read all of Austen’s works. By semester’s end, students have encountered a structured whirlwind of in-depth analysis into the author’s writings. The reading load can seem daunting at times, Hild says, but students oftentimes work ahead “because of how excellent they find the reading.”

One strength of the course, according to Hild, is how clearly Austen’s work provides insight into how previous generations perceived religion. “Jane Austen was the daughter of a clergyman,” Hild says. “She observed the clergy through her father and through others with whom she came into contact.” Her perspective gives students the opportunity to explore questions like, “Was Austen anti-clergy?” and, “Is she simply saying this for comedic effect, or is she presenting a genuine criticism?”

One focus of Hild’s course is to help students understand how people reflect their Creator, and how written works can illuminate the past.

Ultimately, Hild says, “Always remember that every human being is created in God’s image. God is an author. God is a poet. God is a storyteller.”

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