This course focuses on world literature from the 18th and 19th centuries, with particular emphasis on the role of Enlightenment thought in the development of European literary forms. Beginning with the scientific revolution and the emergence of reason, equality, and independence as key cultural values, the course will trace the emergence of modern ideas of humanitarianism, tolerance, empiricism, and the social contract, as well as the failure of these same Enlightenment ideals visible in emergence of colonialism, slavery, and warfare. This course is writing focused.
The primary discipline of this course is English.
Prerequisites
Through Cultural Lenses.