The European Enlightenment was a time of immense social and political change, acting as the bridge from the early modern to the modern era. This course will look at how England contributed to this (literally) revolutionary period. Spanning from the late 17th century to the start of the 19th century and thinkers including Locke, Smith, Paine and Wollstonecraft, this course will explore the social, cultural and intellectual changes that helped turn Britain into a major global player. Topics that the course will cover include: religion and secularism; the rise of consumerism; freedom and slavery; gender; political representation.
In weekly seminars, we will explore a mix of primary and secondary source readings. By contextualizing 'canonical' works in the larger political and social contexts of Enlightenment era Britain, students will not only understand these texts but also their contribution to modernity. Evaluations will consist of a combination of participation in in-class activities and discussions and written assignments.
