[ Wesleyan Home Page ] [ WesMaps Home Page ] [ Course Search ] [ Course Search by CID ]

Marx/Nietzsche/Freud: Politics, Antipolitics, and the Individual
GERM268 SP

Crosslistings: GELT268

This First-Year Initiative seminar focuses on the thought and continued impact of three controversial figures from the modern German cultural sphere: Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Sigmund Freud. Extensive readings will be accompanied by discussion, writing assignments, and oral presentations. The general aims of the course are to explore the foundational writings of the respective authors; to examine the ways in which their thought has shaped current discussions in politics, culture, a nd the arts. Among the topics considered will be the construction of ideology, national identity, nihilism, decadence, anti-Semitism, misogyny, and subjectivity.

MAJOR READINGS

Karl Marx, SELECTED WRITINGS ---, THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO Friedrich Nietzsche, A CRITICAL READER ---, THUS SPOKE ZARATHUSTRA (selections) ---, TWILIGHT OF THE IDOLS (selections) Sigmund Freud, THE FREUD READER ---, FREUD ON WOMEN A course reader containing a broad collection of critical essays on Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly one-page position papers, one oral presentation, two short critiques, and one final paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course is designed especially for first-year students. However, if space permits, students from all other classes will be accommodated.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions.

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459