Course Schedule and Catalog

Department: German Studies

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Description: REASON AND SOCIETY: ENGLIGHTENMENT FROM KANT TO HABERMAS (FRESHMAN SEMINAR) ***** An introduction to one of the most important German and European ideas that has shaped the emergence of modern society at large: the "Enlightenment". In contrast to standard periodizations, the Enlightenment will not be restricted to a particular philosophical, or social, movement in the eighteenth century, but it will be presented as an ongoing process of modernization, including its drawbacks, disasters and subversions. Although we will consider the Enlightment with regard to its historical context, we will also ask whether its fundamental ideas-reason, moral law, civil rights, cosmopolitanism, humanity, justice, secularization, emancipation-have a place in our own society, and whether the German Enlightenment has a future. No prior knowledge necessary. Taught in English. ***** Enrollment limited to 15. ***** Also offered as FSEM 124.