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CS92PROD
The French Enlightenment and Its Discontents
FREN 301
Spring 2010 not offered

To what extent was the Enlightenment universal? Who were the dissenting voices in 18th-century French literature and thought? What is the anti-Enlightenment? During the first half of the semester, we will identify the basic tenets of LES LUMIÈRES: the belief in humankind's perfectibility, the certitude that knowledge leads to progress, and the conviction that the human condition was somehow universal. In the second half of this course, we will catalog the fissures in such an all-encompassing program, e.g., discourses on race, class, and the status of women in 18th-century France. This survey will ultimately lead us to the study of a series of writers who disavowed Enlightenment philosophy by preaching debauchery and/or nihilistic views of the human condition.

Essential Capabilities: Ethical Reasoning, Intercultural Literacy
Students will analyze, speak and write about 18th century philosophical texts written in French.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RLAN
Course Format: Lecture / DiscussionGrading Mode: Graded
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (COL)(FRST-MN)(FRST)(RMST)

Last Updated on MAR-28-2024
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