Annual Dickens Universe: A Conference of 19th Century Literature

Registration & Apartment Check-in: 2:00-5:00 PM. Temporary parking is available for registration, but if you drive to campus, cars must be moved to a conference parking lot. Assistance will be available for those who need help with luggage. Please note that most apartments do not have elevators. During registration, we will disseminate name badges and conference programs and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:15-6:00 PM. The Group Leader and Program Manager will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall. All meals are cafeteria-style at the nearby Dining Hall. Menu items change daily, but there is always a variety of vegetarian items, including a salad bar. There is also the ever-popular soft-serve ice cream. We share the dining hall with other summer programs, so it is essential to stick to the meal times and not arrive early or stay late.

Post-Prandial Potations (refreshments): 7:00-7:45 PM. Join us for after-dinner beverages and to get to know the other conference participants. Mingle with academics, the general public, and students from around the world. Opening Lecture: 7:45-9:00 PM. The Opening Lecture generally sets the stage for the entire week. Additional information about the conference format will be provided during at the start of this event. At Leisure: 9:00 PM-On -OR- Film Screening [Elective]: 9:15-10:45 PM. For the first four nights of the conference, there will be evening film screenings. The films will relate to the text or the era and may provide additional context about the novel.

Breakfast: 8:00-8:45 AM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall. Morning Coffee and Tea Service: 8:15-10:15 AM.

Faculty-led Contextual Discussion Groups: 9:00-10:00 AM. Faculty members from a Dickens Project Consortium university or college will provide additional context about the novel in a small group setting. Plenary Lecture: 10:15-11:30 AM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present an academic lecture about an aspect of the novel that is also the subject of their research. Graduate Student-led Workshop on the Novel: 11:45-12:45 PM. A pair of graduate students from Dickens Project Consortium universities or colleges will lead workshops on the novel. These workshops offer the graduate student pairs with valuable teaching experience in a small group setting. They may include different areas of their own research as it relates to the novel or time period, and introduction to a variety of literary theories.

Lunch: 1:00-1:45 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.

Dickensian Seminars [Elective]: 2:00-3:00 PM. Can't get enough? Friends of the Dickens Project Board Members (current and former high school teachers) facilitate two small groups, including Community College instructors and others, who want a more in-depth discussion of the novel and the lectures. If you have more to say or want to move to another level, the Dickensian Seminar is the place for you. Repeat Film Screening [Elective]: 2:00-4:00 PM. Repeat of Sunday night’s screening. Victorian Tea: 3:00-3:45 PM. Friends of the Dickens Project Board Members present afternoon tea service Monday-Thursday afternoons. Connect with other conference participants while enjoying hot tea and cold tea punch, home-baked cookies and fresh fruit. Talk: 4:00-5:00 PM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present a talk about a topic that focuses on the Victorian era and may be adjacent to the novel. Victorian Dance Lesson [Elective]: 5:15-6:16 PM. On Monday-Friday afternoons, longtime Dickens Universe conference participant/dance instructor will introduce Victorian and English dances. Attend each day or drop in as you’d like to prepare for the Victorian Ball on Friday night.

Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.

Post-Prandial Potations, T-shirt and Book Sale: 7:00-7:45 PM. Join us for after-dinner beverages and to get to know the other conference participants. Mingle with academics, the general public, and students from around the world. Lecture: 7:45-9:00 PM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present an academic lecture about an aspect of the novel that is also the subject of their research. At Leisure: 9:00 PM-On -OR- Film Screening [Elective]: 9:15-10:45 PM. For the first four nights of the conference, there will be evening film screenings. The films will relate to the text or the era and may provide additional context about the novel.

Breakfast: 8:00-8:45 AM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall. Morning Coffee and Tea Service: 8:15-10:15 AM.

Faculty-led Contextual Discussion Groups: 9:00-10:00 AM. Faculty members from a Dickens Project Consortium university or college will provide additional context about the novel in a small group setting. Plenary Lecture: 10:15-11:30 AM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present an academic lecture about an aspect of the novel that is also the subject of their research. Graduate Student-led Workshop on the Novel: 11:45-12:45 PM. A pair of graduate students from Dickens Project Consortium universities or colleges will lead workshops on the novel. These workshops offer the graduate student pairs with valuable teaching experience in a small group setting. They may include different areas of their own research as it relates to the novel or time period, and introduction to a variety of literary theories.

Lunch: 1:00-1:45 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.

Dickensian Seminars [Elective]: 2:00-3:00 PM. Can't get enough? Friends of the Dickens Project Board Members (current and former high school teachers) facilitate two small groups, including Community College instructors and others, who want a more in-depth discussion of the novel and the lectures. If you have more to say or want to move to another level, the Dickensian Seminar is the place for you. Repeat Film Screening [Elective]: 2:00-4:00 PM. Repeat of Monday night’s screening. Field Trip [Elective]: 2:00-4:00 PM. A field trip led by a local expert will further enhance and enrich our day’s experience. Victorian Tea: 3:00-3:45 PM. Friends of the Dickens Project Board Members present afternoon tea service Monday-Thursday afternoons. Connect with other conference participants while enjoying hot tea and cold tea punch, home-baked cookies and fresh fruit. Talk: 4:00-5:00 PM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present a talk about a topic that focuses on the Victorian era and may be adjacent to the novel. Victorian Dance Lesson [Elective]: 5:15-6:16 PM. On Monday-Friday afternoons, longtime Dickens Universe conference participant/dance instructor will introduce Victorian and English dances. Attend each day or drop in as you’d like to prepare for the Victorian Ball on Friday night.

Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.

Post-Prandial Potations, T-shirt and Book Sale: 7:00-7:45 PM. Join us for after-dinner beverages and to get to know the other conference participants. Mingle with academics, the general public, and students from around the world. Lecture: 7:45-9:00 PM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present an academic lecture about an aspect of the novel that is also the subject of their research. At Leisure: 9:00 PM-On -OR- Film Screening [Elective]: 9:15-10:45 PM. For the first four nights of the conference, there will be evening film screenings. The films will relate to the text or the era and may provide additional context about the novel.

Breakfast: 8:00-8:45 AM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall. Morning Coffee and Tea Service: 8:15-10:15 AM.

Faculty-led Contextual Discussion Groups: 9:00-10:00 AM. Faculty members from a Dickens Project Consortium university or college will provide additional context about the novel in a small group setting. Plenary Lecture: 10:15-11:30 AM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present an academic lecture about an aspect of the novel that is also the subject of their research. Graduate Student-led Workshop on the Novel: 11:45-12:45 PM. A pair of graduate students from Dickens Project Consortium universities or colleges will lead workshops on the novel. These workshops offer the graduate student pairs with valuable teaching experience in a small group setting. They may include different areas of their own research as it relates to the novel or time period, and introduction to a variety of literary theories.

Lunch: 1:00-1:45 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.

Dickensian Seminars [Elective]: 2:00-3:00 PM. Can't get enough? Friends of the Dickens Project Board Members (current and former high school teachers) facilitate two small groups, including Community College instructors and others, who want a more in-depth discussion of the novel and the lectures. If you have more to say or want to move to another level, the Dickensian Seminar is the place for you. Repeat Film Screening [Elective]: 2:00-4:00 PM. Repeat of Tuesday night’s screening. Field Trip [Elective]: 2:00-4:00 PM. A field trip led by a local expert will further enhance and enrich our day’s experience. Victorian Tea: 3:00-3:45 PM. Friends of the Dickens Project Board Members present afternoon tea service Monday-Thursday afternoons. Connect with other conference participants while enjoying hot tea and cold tea punch, home-baked cookies and fresh fruit. Talk: 4:00-5:00 PM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present a talk about a topic that focuses on the Victorian era and may be adjacent to the novel. Victorian Dance Lesson [Elective]: 5:15-6:16 PM. On Monday-Friday afternoons, longtime Dickens Universe conference participant/dance instructor will introduce Victorian and English dances. Attend each day or drop in as you’d like to prepare for the Victorian Ball on Friday night.

Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.

At Leisure: 7:15 PM-On -OR- Early Film Screening [Elective]: 7:15-9:00 PM. For the first four nights of the conference, there will be evening film screenings. The films will relate to the text or the era and may provide additional context about the novel.

Breakfast: 8:00-8:45 AM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall. Morning Coffee and Tea Service: 8:15-10:15 AM.

Faculty-led Contextual Discussion Groups: 9:00-10:00 AM. Faculty members from a Dickens Project Consortium university or college will provide additional context about the novel in a small group setting. Plenary Lecture: 10:15-11:30 AM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present an academic lecture about an aspect of the novel that is also the subject of their research. Graduate Student-led Workshop on the Novel: 11:45-12:45 PM. A pair of graduate students from Dickens Project Consortium universities or colleges will lead workshops on the novel. These workshops offer the graduate student pairs with valuable teaching experience in a small group setting. They may include different areas of their own research as it relates to the novel or time period, and introduction to a variety of literary theories.

Lunch: 1:00-1:45 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.

Dickensian Seminars [Elective]: 2:00-3:00 PM. Can't get enough? Friends of the Dickens Project Board Members (current and former high school teachers) facilitate two small groups, including Community College instructors and others, who want a more in-depth discussion of the novel and the lectures. If you have more to say or want to move to another level, the Dickensian Seminar is the place for you. Repeat Film Screening [Elective]: 2:00-4:00 PM. Repeat of Wednesday night’s screening. Victorian Tea: 3:00-3:45 PM. Friends of the Dickens Project Board Members present afternoon tea service Monday-Thursday afternoons. Connect with other conference participants while enjoying hot tea and cold tea punch, home-baked cookies and fresh fruit. Talk: 4:00-5:00 PM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present a talk about a topic that focuses on the Victorian era and may be adjacent to the novel. Victorian Dance Lesson [Elective]: 5:15-6:16 PM. On Monday-Friday afternoons, longtime Dickens Universe conference participant/dance instructor will introduce Victorian and English dances. Attend each day or drop in as you’d like to prepare for the Victorian Ball on Friday night.

Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.

Post-Prandial Potations, T-shirt and Book Sale: 7:00-7:45 PM. Join us for after-dinner beverages and to get to know the other conference participants. Mingle with academics, the general public, and students from around the world. Entertainment: 7:45-9:00 PM. Our program was planned far in advance when details of the performance were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in the preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Grand Party: 9:00-10:30 PM. The Friends of the Dickens Project will host a dessert party featuring home-baked pies, cakes, and a plethora of cheeses, crackers, nuts, and other tasty treats. Beer and wine are also served. This is a great time to connect with fellow conference attendees.

Breakfast: 8:00-8:45 AM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall. Morning Coffee and Tea Service: 8:15-10:15 AM.

Faculty-led Contextual Discussion Groups: 9:00-10:00 AM. Faculty members from a Dickens Project Consortium university or college will provide additional context about the novel in a small group setting. Plenary Lecture: 10:15-11:30 AM. A Dickens Project Consortium faculty member or guest faculty member will present an academic lecture about an aspect of the novel that is also the subject of their research. Graduate Student-led Workshop on the Novel: 11:45-12:45 PM. A pair of graduate students from Dickens Project Consortium universities or colleges will lead workshops on the novel. These workshops offer the graduate student pairs with valuable teaching experience in a small group setting. They may include different areas of their own research as it relates to the novel or time period, and introduction to a variety of literary theories.

Road Scholar Luncheon: 1:00-1:45 PM. This is a special catered lunch for Road Scholars to enjoy each other’s company. Share favorite experiences and enjoy the camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell lunch.

Dickensian Seminars [Elective]: 2:00-3:00 PM. Can't get enough? Friends of the Dickens Project Board Members (current and former high school teachers) facilitate two small groups, including Community College instructors and others, who want a more in-depth discussion of the novel and the lectures. If you have more to say or want to move to another level, the Dickensian Seminar is the place for you. Fireside Chat with John O. Jordan (UC Santa Cruz) and Renée Fox (UC Santa Cruz): 4:00-5:00 PM. Hear stories from past Dickens Universe events, learn about the Dickens Project, discuss current programs and future plans, and ask the Project’s Co-Directors questions. Victorian Dance Lesson [Elective]: 5:15-6:16 PM. On Monday-Friday afternoons, longtime Dickens Universe conference participant/dance instructor will introduce Victorian and English dances. Attend each day or drop in as you’d like to prepare for the Victorian Ball on Friday night.

Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.

Post-Prandial Potations, T-shirt and Book Sale: 7:00-7:45 PM. Join us for after-dinner beverages and to get to know the other conference participants. Mingle with academics, the general public, and students from around the world. Friends of the Dickens Project Fundraising Auction: 7:45-8:30 PM. Join fellow Universe participants for friendly bidding on Dickens, and ‘Great Expectations’-related items. When you give to the Friends of the Dickens Project, you are helping to sustain the very future of the Dickens Project. Your contribution goes beyond helping to bring world-renowned speakers to the Dickens Universe each summer who would not otherwise be able to attend. It ensures that the Project can continue its important outreach to high schools and community college teachers. The auction concludes with the announcement of the 2025 Dickens Universe novel. Copies will be available for sale. Victorian Ball: 8:30-11:00 PM. The final night of the Dickens Universe ends with Victorian Dancing to a live band. Our dance mistress will lead the festive event and offer beginner-friendly instruction to dance the night away. Costumes are welcome, but not required.

Breakfast: 8:00-8:45 AM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall. This concludes our program.

Check-out: 8:00-10:00 AM. Return your keys, dining hall meal card, borrowed ethernet cables, bathmats, hangers, extra blankets, and electric hot pots. San Jose International Airport Return Shuttle Service: Departs campus at 9:00AM. San Francisco International Airport Return Shuttle Service: Departs campus at 10:00AM. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!