Frequently Asked Questions
What is the *Charles Dickens Seminar* and what does it do?
Professor Luzzi's Dickens Seminar will bring you inside one of the English literature's greatest and most influential voices, with fresh insights into Dickens's power of storytelling and linguistic inventiveness that can inspire our everyday lives.
How do I join?
Just click "Register Now" beneath the above image of Dickens and his novels and you'll be guided through the quick & easy steps. Remember, space is limited, so if you're interested join now.
When does it meet?
All meetings are on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7:30pm Eastern Time, on the following dates:
September 7, 2022: A Tale of Two Cities
September 14, 2022: Great Expectations
September 21, 2022: Hard Times
What if I can't make it to one or more of the live classes?
No problem at all...I will record a Video of each class, so you can view it if you can't make it to the live session. You can also watch the Video even if you did attend the live seminar and just want to go back and review the main issues discussed.
What is the format of the Charles Dickens Seminar?
Highly interactive! Imagine your favorite college class, with students going back and forth with the professor, exchanging ideas and engaged in lively debate. That's our model. I want to hear your ideas while I explain Dickens's novels and help you understand them.
Do I need prior knowledge of Dickens's work to participate?
Absolutely not. I will assume no prior knowledge or study of Dickens's writing. If you have read or studied him before, great, that will be a wonderful addition to our course. If not, no worries, I will explain all elements and aspects of Dickens's novels as they arise in class to help you with this first encounter.
What editions should I use?
Whichever ones you like! There will be no "standard" versions because I know that many of you already have a favorite or "go to" edition that you've been reading. I will be using the the Penguin editions at my Virtual Book Club page at Bookshop.org, under "VBC Books of Interest." You may wish to use these but, again, the choice is yours.
How long will each session last?
90 minutes – the ideal length for a college seminar!
Will there be "homework"?
Not really. Before each class, I'll go over the reading that we'll cover; but don't feel obliged to do the reading if you don't want to or don't have the time. I will assume that not everyone has done the reading, so you will still learn a lot and be able to join the conversation even if you have not completed all the "homework."
What's the format?
The event will be through Zoom. You don't need an account. Once you register for the class, you will be sent a link to each session – all you need is that and an Internet connection to join.
Will I need special equipment to participate in the class?
No, just a computer/screen.
What do you mean by an "interactive" Seminar?
Well, that means that during Professor Luzzi's sessions, he'll open up the conversation to all participants to get their perspectives.
What does the course cost?
$149 for the entire Seminar, which includes all three sessions as well as all the material, such as the Study Guides & Videos, that will be part of the Seminar.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
If you register but decide to cancel by September 1st, 2022, you will get a full refund. If you cancel after September 1st, 2022 and before the first day of class, September 7th, you will get half back. Unfortunately, after September 7th, I can't offer any refund because space in the course is limited and I need to close registration once the course starts (or reaches capacity).
How can I contact you with questions or problems?
