Intellectual history approaches the past through contemporary texts and their authors.
We will read the works of philosophes, poets and critics, and examine the social and political contexts in which their ideas were generated. In particular, we will investigate changing attitudes towards religion, science, art, and the individual in society during the period 1700-1850. Students are expected to do the readings prior to the sessions in which they are discussed. The goal of the assignment is to demonstrate your comprehension of the material, not to summarize it. Responses are due in class and will not be accepted later.