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Academic Year 2005/2006

What's Right and What's Left? Literature, Philosophy, Art, and Politics in Inter-War Europe
COL 210 FA
Crosslistings:
HIST 289

This course will move between Italy, France, and Germany in an attempt to define and understand the relation between right and left wing politics in modern European intellectual and cultural production up until World War II. Using Zeev Sternhell's NEITHER RIGHT NOR LEFT as a reference point we will attempt to construct our own "fascist minimum" and to analyze the political trajectories of a number of figures from left to right and vice-versa. We will also attempt to understand the perceived political, social, and cultural crisis of the inter-war period and the appeals of fascism, Nazism, and socialism in response to this "crisis".

MAJOR READINGS

Authors to be read may include (but will not be limited to): Walter Benjamin, Celine, Antonio Gramsci, Ernst Junger, Martin Heidegger, Andre Malraux, Jean-Paul Sartre, Carl Schmitt, Ignazio Silone, Georges Sorel, Zeev Sternhell, Leo Strauss.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

At least one in class presentation. Two short papers and one research paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Only COL majors will be allowed to take this course on a credit/unsatisfactory basis. All others must take this course for a letter grade. Class attendance and active participation are essential to pass this course.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA COL    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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