Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
California

Annual Dickens Universe: A Conference of 19th Century Literature

Program No. 4650RJ
Immerse yourself in the world of 19th-century literature and learn about the authors through lectures, group discussions and Victorian events at the annual Dickens Universe.
WishlistShare
Start
  • Dickens' Universe Festival
  • Dickens' Universe Festival
  • Dickens' Universe Festival
Festivals, Misc.LiteratureHistory
Length
7 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,599

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
17 meals ( 6B, 5L, 6D )
17 expert-led lectures
2 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
9 hands-on experiences
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Registration at John R. Lewis College. Temporary parking is available for registration, and then your car must be moved to a Conference lot. Assistance is available for those needing help with luggage. Apartments do not have elevators. The Dickens Universe is different in that you will attend a conference that includes other members of the general public, academics, and students from UCSC. We don't set you apart as a group; you attend the other participants' activities.
Afternoon:
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:
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.
Evening:
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.
Activity Note
Walking up to a mile around campus throughout the day between apartment buildings, dining facilities, and lecture rooms. Classrooms, dining, and lecture halls are accessible via ramps or elevators. The UC Santa Cruz campus is hilly and built on an incline, with stairs and ramps to navigate between buildings.
Breakfast:
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.
Morning:
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:
Lunch: 1:00-1:45 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.
Afternoon:
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:
Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.
Evening:
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.
Activity Note
Walking up to a mile around campus throughout the day between apartment buildings, dining facilities, and lecture rooms. Classrooms, dining, and lecture halls are accessible via ramps or elevators. The UC Santa Cruz campus is hilly and built on an incline, with stairs and ramps to navigate between buildings.
Breakfast:
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.
Morning:
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:
Lunch: 1:00-1:45 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.
Afternoon:
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:
Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.
Evening:
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.
Activity Note
Walking up to a mile around campus throughout the day between apartment buildings, dining facilities, and lecture rooms. Classrooms, dining, and lecture halls are accessible via ramps or elevators. The UC Santa Cruz campus is hilly and built on an incline, with stairs and ramps to navigate between buildings. Walking up to a mile around campus throughout the day between apartments, dining facilities, and lecture rooms.
Breakfast:
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.
Morning:
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:
Lunch: 1:00-1:45 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.
Afternoon:
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:
Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.
Evening:
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.
Activity Note
Walking up to a mile around campus throughout the day between apartment buildings, dining facilities, and lecture rooms. Classrooms, dining, and lecture halls are accessible via ramps or elevators. The UC Santa Cruz campus is hilly and built on an incline, with stairs and ramps to navigate between buildings.
Breakfast:
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.
Morning:
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:
Lunch: 1:00-1:45 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.
Afternoon:
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:
Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.
Evening:
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. Farce written and directed by long-time faculty member. Actors are recruited from the conference attendees. 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.
Activity Note
Walking up to a mile around campus throughout the day between apartment buildings, dining facilities, and lecture rooms. Classrooms, dining, and lecture halls are accessible via ramps or elevators. The UC Santa Cruz campus is hilly and built on an incline, with stairs and ramps to navigate between buildings. Dancing (optional) at this evening's Victorian Dance.
Breakfast:
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.
Morning:
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:
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.
Afternoon:
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:
Dinner: 6:15-7:00 PM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall.
Evening:
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 ‘The Old Curiosity Shop'-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 2026 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:
Breakfast: 8:00-8:45 AM. The meal is served cafeteria-style at the dining hall. This concludes our program.
Morning:
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!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
Jul 20 - Jul 26, 2025 Itinerary Differences: 45th Annual Dickens Universe will feature “The Old Curiosity Shop”.





Recommended For You