The Enlightenment: How the World Became Modern
Over the course of the 17th and 18th centuries, an extraordinary transformation occurred in Europe.
"How glorious, then, is the prospect, the reverse of all the past, which is now opening upon us, and upon the world." ~ Joseph Priestly
History presents us with many eras of dramatic change, when new scientific understandings and technologies emerged and new social forms arose, but no period of change has more determined the lives we live today than the European Enlightenment of the 17th and 18th centuries. This interdisciplinary course focuses on that era as it was experienced in Great Britain. It examines the evolution of the Enlightenment and its importance to the emergence of the modern world, emphasizing its themes of scientific and technological progress, improvement of living standards, accountable government, individual human rights, and the powerful role of arts and culture in social progress. When taught as a travel-study course, it provides students with an opportunity to visit the United Kingdom, a "cradle land" of the Enlightenment, to visit sites associated with the Enlightenment and meet with representatives of institutions that promote its values to this day.
PLAN 3090
When offered, The Enlightenment Seminar is open to University of Cincinnati upper division (Junior, Senior) students in all colleges and majors. First and second year students may be admitted with the permission of the course director.
The Enlightenment Seminar attracts three undergraduate credit hours and fulfills the Humanities Breadth of Knowledge requirement.
This course is taught seminar style with weekly readings, discussion, lectures (some by guests), and student presentations.