EUR1100 - Foundations of contemporary Europe: modernity and enlightenment

Leader(s): Dr Natalie Doyle

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces concepts and themes that are central to an understanding not only of European culture, but also of modern society or "modernity". It surveys the evolution, during the Enlightenment, of European ways of understanding and explaining the world and the human person, giving attention to such concepts as reason, freedom, imagination, nature, and beauty. It reflects on changing ideas of the arts, human creativity and power, and shows the accompanying variation of artistic style and lifestyle. It introduces such key thinkers as the French philosophes, Herder and Kant, as well as representative works of literature and the other arts.

Objectives

On completion of this subject students will have a familiarity with, and an understanding of, the general features of Europe's cultural and intellectual development during the eighteenth century, with a focus upon the European Enlightenment and the way its values shaped the birth of modern society. They will have acquired knowledge of some representative expository texts and works of literature and the other arts. They will have basic skills in library use, essay writing, analysis and interpretation of texts, as well as oral presentation and discussion.

Assessment

Tutorial preparation and participation (250 words): 6%; Class paper (250 words): 6%; Essay 1 (1000 words): 22%; Essay 2 (1500 words): 33%; Exam (1.5 hours, 1500 words): 33%.

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prohibitions

EUR1015