This course examines the movement of central concepts, values, images, and institutions from the late Middle Ages to modern times. This succession may be viewed as progress, or as a breakdown, or as a series of conflicts. It may give rise to questions about the notion of a dominant culture or a univocal tradition; in any case, students will be encouraged to interpret the meaning of this sequence. Class discussion, opportunities for writing, and interdisciplinary work with literary, philosophical, historical, and other texts are emphasized. |