CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

An integrative survey of the historic foundations of Western culture and its artistic, dramatic, literary and musical representations from the Renaissance to c. 1850.

Course Overview: The attempt to endeavor on a whirlwind tour of “representative” works of literature, philosophy, and fine art within the historical context(s) that gave rise to them is quite a daunting task. As we study works from the end of the Renaissance to the Age of Romanticism, we will only be able to focus on a few select texts within each period that is reflective of the changes in thought and historical circumstances from that period. But we will also focus on the philosophical underpinnings of all texts, noticing how one text is a reaction or extension of a previous text or a dominant philosophical movement.  In doing this, we will create a broad philosophical/literary/ historical timeline that will enable you to see the importance of cultural and historical context as you explore the central questions of each text.