From a historical perspective, we will analyze both the themes and the styles that were central to the main currents of modernist aesthetics and, ultimately, helped give rise to various “postmodernisms.” From a critical perspective, we will think seriously about the public conditions and political effects of cultural production. Many of the tensions that have come to define what we now term modernity — for example, between tradition and innovation, authority and democracy, form and content, country and city, labor and leisure, collectives and individuals, and even women and men — continue to inform the ways in which we imagine ourselves, our culture, and the relations that mediate the two, even into the twenty-first century. Throughout the semester, these persistent tensions will help provide structure for our discussions.

N.B.: while this seminar will entail the analysis of poetic, narrative, visual, philosophical, and critical texts, an advanced knowledge of modernism, modernity, or, say, poetry is NOT prerequisite to your success in this course. Indeed, the course is designed to equip you to do such work independently.

Requirements: Consistent attendance, inspired participation, two oral presentations, and a substantial research essay on a topic of your choice. See course requirements sheet for details.