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Since the late 19th century, both practitioners of the human sciences (an intersection of philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and psychology) and literary artists have addressed the problem of moral authority and religion in a rationally organized, technological modern world. This course examines influential theories concerning the relationship of rationality and morality, beginning with Max Weber's THE PROTESTANT ETHIC AND THE SPIRIT OF CAPITALISM. In conjunction with theoretical works we will al so read a selection of fiction, beginning with Defoe's ROBINSON CRUSOE, that exemplify how modern literary works are structured through concerns about moral action and processes of rationalization. Our discussions will also address debates about the universal validity of rational thought and the cultural specificity of moral-ethical values and beliefs. The course has two goals: to introduce students to a method for thinking about the relation of rationality to the religious/moral sphere, and to scru tinize literary attitudes toward reason, emotion, and morality.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Seminar
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ENGL Grading Mode: Graded
Prerequisites: NONE
Last Updated on MAR-24-2000
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459