NYC Gazette

The course "The Fantasy and Reality of Bridgerton" offers a critical examination of the popular Netflix series, which is based on romance novels by Julia Quinn. The class, developed by Liberal Studies professors Ida Chavoshan and Erin Morrison, explores themes of escapism and historical reimagining within the context of Regency England.

Chavoshan and Morrison were inspired to create the course after recognizing the show's appeal during the COVID-19 pandemic. They noted its combination of period detail with modern elements like multiracial casting and contemporary music. "The representation makes it really exciting," Morrison states, highlighting the show's exploration of racial integration in an alternate history.

The course structure alternates between fantasy and reality sessions. For instance, discussions on sex and romance in Bridgerton are paired with examinations of historical issues such as maternal mortality and sexually transmitted diseases among British aristocracy. Morrison points out that while syphilis was prevalent among the upper classes at the time, it is not depicted in the show.

A tea party held in the Liberal Studies lounge serves as a practical exploration of British high tea culture. This event includes guest lectures on international tea traditions from faculty members, followed by a discussion titled "The Rotten Pineapple," which addresses colonial practices linked to luxury goods like tea.

Chavoshan emphasizes that their goal is not to correct historical inaccuracies but to deepen students' understanding of creative choices made by the show's creators. The semester includes a field trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for a session called “Meet Me at the Orangery,” where students explore landscape design's role in portraying wealth.

Students are encouraged to write reimagined scenes inspired by these experiences, connecting classroom discussions to personal insights. Chavoshan remarks on their work: “I’m blown away—they all do a beautiful job.”