Following World War II, thinkers from around the world sought to comprehend how such devastation could take place. Even more staggering was the fact that some of the most murderous atrocities were committed by advanced societies with rich cultural and humanistic histories. Some philosophers and theorists, such as Max Horkheimer and T.W. Adorno, have argued that what happened in Europe was an inevitable consequence of the Enlightenment. The role that Enlightened Thought did or did not play in the progress and destruction in our history since it took hold hundreds of years ago, will loosely act as our theme throughout this course.

The aim of this course is for students to gain an understanding of the literary and cultural shifts that occurred in various corners of the globe from the 17th century to present day, while keeping in mind the question of Enlightened Thought, Modernity, Colonialism, and Progress. We will attempt to make links between what was said and done in the past with what is happening today, namely in terms of technology, humanism, fanaticism, and the striving for progress, be it technological or social. What good has come of such thought? Or, what consequences has it had? How are the shifts reflected in content and in form? And, finally, what can we learn from the novels, plays, poems, films and manifestos published in the last three centuries about how we live our lives and how we interact with other cultures? (Of course, we will also take the time to enjoy these works for their aesthetic value).

Required Text
The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Vols. D, E, F (Package 2). Third Edition.
ISBN: 978-0393933666 / Available in the Baruch Bookstore