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Michael S. Roth
This course examines how the idea of "the modern" develops at the end of the 18th century in European philosophy and literature, and how being modern (or progressive, or hip) became one of the crucial criteria for understanding and evaluating cultural change. Are we still in modernity, or have we moved beyond the modern to the postmodern?
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Pages
“The Modern and the Postmodern Part I” covers the first half of a full semester course on European history, literature and philosophy. We begin with Immanuel Kant and Jean Jacques Rousseau and conclude with Friedrich Nietzsche and Charles Baudelaire and a very quick look at painting at the time they wrote. Although in the final week themes of postmodernism begin to emerge, a discussion of how modernism becomes postmodernism is at the heart of Part II of this course.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Pages
“The Modern and the Postmodern Part I” covers the first half of a full semester course on European history, literature and philosophy. We begin with Immanuel Kant and Jean Jacques Rousseau and conclude with Friedrich Nietzsche and Charles Baudelaire and a very quick look at painting at the time they wrote. Although in the final week themes of postmodernism begin to emerge, a discussion of how modernism becomes postmodernism is at the heart of Part II of this course.
Read more
Philosophy, Modernity, and Intellectual History
Why is philosophy relevant to modernity?
Through reading Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Immanuel Kant, we examine philosophy as a reflection on modernity and progress.
What is Enlightenment?
Using Rousseau’s Discourse on the Origins of Inequality, we study how the pursuit of knowledge is related to the politics of inequality.
From Enlightenment to Revolution
Karl Marx is our focus here as we move from a consideration of ideas to a confrontation with alienation, class struggle and revolution.
Modernism and Art for Art's Sake
We read Flaubert’s Madame Bovary as a reflection on convention, stupidity and art in the wake of the failures of mid-19th century revolution.
Re-imagining the World
We situate Charles Darwin’s great achievement in the context of the English Enlightenment traditions and reimaging the world without a goal for change.
From Struggle to Intensity
Through an examination of Charles Baudelaire and Friedrich Nietzsche, we focus on an aesthetic embrace of intensity instead of search for the “really real.”
Paintings
A Quick Survey of how advanced painting moved toward a consideration of the surface of the canvas and away from a quest for the most realistic representation of the world.
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possible dealbreakers
Examines the conceptual foundations and historical development of European intellectual traditions that have shaped contemporary society
Taught by experienced professor Michael S. Roth
Suitable for learners interested in cultural studies and history
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Reviews summary
Philosophers of enlightenment and beyond
learners say this course is largely positive, with engaging assignments and an inspiring instructor. Students taking the course report deepening their understanding of literature, philosophy, and art through readings and discussion of the works of influential figures like Marx, Kant, and Nietzsche. The online format with video lectures and discussion forums is well-received, though some learners prefer not to participate in the peer review process.
Students review each other's work, which can be helpful for getting feedback and improving writing skills.
"The assignments are interesting to write and really made me think critically about the literature and philosophy we were focused on."
"The grading system, where each classmate is required to review, hsi/her peer assignment, basing on that our gardes are generated. Very nice and swiftly functioning system."
The course is well-structured and easy to navigate.
"This course is well planned and well paced."
"The only thing is that it is a heavy one. For most, this will be a positive point as it ensures that you take away the maximum from the course content."
"Excellent course. The lectures were engaging and very informative and broad with the inclusion of a variety of thinkers."
The essay assignments encourage students to think critically about the material they have learned.
"The essay prompts proved to be thought provoking and required me to really synthesize what I learned through the readings and lectures."
"Having never studied philosophy before I found some of the concepts quite challenging (especially Nietzsche!) but overall this was an excellent way to be introduced to classical literature by writers and philosophers that I had never read before."
"The assignments are interesting to write and really made me think critically about the literature and philosophy we were focused on."
The course covers a wide range of topics, including philosophy, literature, history, and art.
"This course covers a lot of ground, touching on philosophy, history, art, and literature"
"The course has strong references, mainly in the areas of philosophy and classic literature."
"I enjoyed the readings and videos."
Michael Roth is an outstanding lecturer who organizes the course in a way that is easy to follow.
"Excellent and interesting course!"
"The instructor is extremely engaging and helps break down material that would otherwise seem inaccessible...in an understandable way."
"Prof. Roth is a wonderful teacher and he has designed an excellent course."
Some students find the peer review process to be unhelpful.
"For one thing, it is like "the blind leading the blind"."
"I was right and they were wrong, then they kept their misapprehension. Not exactly, good education."
"In these cases, I gave them a 0. I felt bad about that, but aren't these examples of cheating?"
Some students report that the expectations for the writing assignments are not always clear.
"Expectations for writing assignments unclear."
Some of the concepts covered in the course can be difficult to understand.
"Having never studied philosophy before I found some of the concepts quite challenging (especially Nietzsche!)"
"This is the equivalent
of a first year survey course."
"He stammers perpetually and many of his sentences contain numerous
repetitions and often end without completing a thought."
The course requires a significant time commitment.
"The course has strong references, mainly in the areas of philosophy and classic literature. I was delighted while exploring all the different approaches and impressions made by such renowned figures."
"It offers extended material and insight for access knowledgeability on an array of diverse subjects."
"Delving deep in the long readings and accessing the week's assignment on time can be quite a challenge."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 1) with these
activities:
Review Class Notes and Materials
Show steps
Ensures students fully engage with the course materials, improving retention and understanding.
Show steps
-
Review the class notes and materials regularly.
-
Identify any areas where further clarification is needed.
-
Attend office hours or ask the instructor for assistance.
-
Summarize the key points from the materials.
Philosophy Discussion Group
Show steps
Facilitates discussions and debates on the philosophical ideas covered in the course, enhancing critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on
Modern Philosophy
Show steps
-
Join or start a philosophy discussion group.
-
Prepare for the meetings by reading the assigned texts.
-
Participate in the discussions, sharing insights and asking questions.
-
Summarize the key points from the discussions in writing.
Explore the Virtual Museum of Modern Art
Show steps
Provides visual examples and historical context to supplement the course content on modernism and art.
Browse courses on
Art History
Show steps
-
Visit the Virtual Museum of Modern Art website.
-
Browse through the different collections and exhibitions.
-
Focus on understanding the key characteristics and movements of modern art.
-
Write a short summary of the different artworks and the significance of the artists.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Show steps
Enhances the course's exploration of existentialism, the search for meaning in life, and the significance of personal experience.
Show steps
-
Purchase and read the novel.
-
Reflect on the existential themes and questions raised in the book.
-
Write a brief analysis of how the book relates to the course material.
Connect with Scholars in the Field
Show steps
Provides access to experts and practitioners who can provide valuable insights and guidance on topics covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Modern Art
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors in the field of modernism.
-
Reach out to them via email or LinkedIn.
-
Set up a meeting to discuss your interests and goals.
-
Maintain regular communication with your mentors.
Analyze Modern Literary Texts
Show steps
Provides opportunities to apply analytical skills and deepen understanding of modern literary styles and techniques.
Browse courses on
Modern Literature
Show steps
-
Select a modern literary text.
-
Read and annotate the text.
-
Identify the key themes, symbols, and literary devices used.
-
Write a short essay analyzing the text.
Create a Digital Timeline of Modernism
Show steps
Encourages students to synthesize their knowledge of the major events and figures associated with the modernist movement.
Browse courses on
Modernism
Show steps
-
Research the key milestones and figures in the history of modernism.
-
Use a digital storytelling platform (e.g., TimelineJS) to create a visual timeline.
-
Include images, quotes, and relevant information on the timeline.
-
Share the digital timeline with classmates or online.
Create a Modern Poetry Collection
Show steps
Allows students to apply their understanding of the elements and themes of modern poetry in a creative and practical way.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
-
Read and analyze examples of modern poetry.
-
Identify the key elements and techniques.
-
Brainstorm and write original poems that reflect the spirit of modernism.
-
Compile the poems into a collection.
-
Share the collection with classmates or a writing group.
Review Class Notes and Materials
Show steps
Ensures students fully engage with the course materials, improving retention and understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the class notes and materials regularly.
- Identify any areas where further clarification is needed.
- Attend office hours or ask the instructor for assistance.
- Summarize the key points from the materials.
Philosophy Discussion Group
Show steps
Facilitates discussions and debates on the philosophical ideas covered in the course, enhancing critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on
Modern Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or start a philosophy discussion group.
- Prepare for the meetings by reading the assigned texts.
- Participate in the discussions, sharing insights and asking questions.
- Summarize the key points from the discussions in writing.
Explore the Virtual Museum of Modern Art
Show steps
Provides visual examples and historical context to supplement the course content on modernism and art.
Browse courses on
Art History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Visit the Virtual Museum of Modern Art website.
- Browse through the different collections and exhibitions.
- Focus on understanding the key characteristics and movements of modern art.
- Write a short summary of the different artworks and the significance of the artists.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Show steps
Enhances the course's exploration of existentialism, the search for meaning in life, and the significance of personal experience.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase and read the novel.
- Reflect on the existential themes and questions raised in the book.
- Write a brief analysis of how the book relates to the course material.
Connect with Scholars in the Field
Show steps
Provides access to experts and practitioners who can provide valuable insights and guidance on topics covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Modern Art
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors in the field of modernism.
- Reach out to them via email or LinkedIn.
- Set up a meeting to discuss your interests and goals.
- Maintain regular communication with your mentors.
Analyze Modern Literary Texts
Show steps
Provides opportunities to apply analytical skills and deepen understanding of modern literary styles and techniques.
Browse courses on
Modern Literature
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a modern literary text.
- Read and annotate the text.
- Identify the key themes, symbols, and literary devices used.
- Write a short essay analyzing the text.
Create a Digital Timeline of Modernism
Show steps
Encourages students to synthesize their knowledge of the major events and figures associated with the modernist movement.
Browse courses on
Modernism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the key milestones and figures in the history of modernism.
- Use a digital storytelling platform (e.g., TimelineJS) to create a visual timeline.
- Include images, quotes, and relevant information on the timeline.
- Share the digital timeline with classmates or online.
Create a Modern Poetry Collection
Show steps
Allows students to apply their understanding of the elements and themes of modern poetry in a creative and practical way.
Browse courses on
Poetry
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and analyze examples of modern poetry.
- Identify the key elements and techniques.
- Brainstorm and write original poems that reflect the spirit of modernism.
- Compile the poems into a collection.
- Share the collection with classmates or a writing group.
Career center
Learners who complete The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 1) will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Philosopher
Philosopher
Philosophers enhance their understanding of modern and postmodern Western philosophy through this course.
Art historian
Art historian
Art Historians studies topics this course introduces, particularly about the evolution of art through a historical perspective and the development of important movements like Modernism
Cultural Critic
Cultural Critic
Cultural Critics analyze and interpret cultural phenomena. This course provides a strong foundation for understanding the historical and philosophical context of modern and postmodern culture.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
Museum Educators engage visitors with art and historical topics. This course provides valuable knowledge for developing educational programs about modern and postmodern art and philosophy
Art Curator
Art Curator
Art Curators leverage knowledge from this course when making curatorial decisions about expositions and collections relating to the history of art.
Professor
Professor
This course can help build a foundation for a PhD and career as a Professor in various fields, including Literature, History, Philosophy, and Art History.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians who work in specialized collections related to modern or postmodern art, literature, or philosophy may find this course helpful in developing a deeper understanding of the materials they manage.
Art dealer
Art dealer
Art Dealers specializing in modern or postmodern art may find this course helpful in developing a deeper understanding of the historical and intellectual context of the works they sell.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists who specialize in modern or postmodern collections may find this course helpful in developing a deeper understanding of the historical and intellectual context of the materials they care for.
Translator
Translator
Translators working with texts on modern or postmodern topics may find this course helpful in developing a deeper understanding of the historical and intellectual context of the works they translate.
Art Collector
Art Collector
Art Collectors specializing in modern or postmodern art may find this course helpful in developing a deeper understanding of the historical and intellectual context of the works they collect.
Writer
Writer
Writers may find this course helpful in developing a deeper understanding of the philosophical and historical context of their work, especially when writing about modern or postmodern themes.
Editor
Editor
Editors working with texts on modern or postmodern topics may find this course helpful in developing a deeper understanding of the historical and intellectual context of the works they edit.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists writing about art, culture, or intellectual history may find this course helpful in developing a deeper understanding of the topics they cover.
Philanthropist
Philanthropist
Philanthropists supporting organizations related to modern or postmodern art, literature, or philosophy may find this course helpful in developing a deeper understanding of the historical and intellectual context of the work they support.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rv0n2v/the
Reading list
We've selected 55 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 1).
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Enlightenment, a period that laid the foundations for modern thought and culture. Gay's work is essential reading.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the intellectual landscape of the modern world, from the Enlightenment to the present day. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the philosophical and literary currents that shaped the modern era.
Foundational work in the history of philosophy that examines the nature of knowledge and the limits of human reason.
A primary source for the exploration of aestheticism in the wake of failed mid-19th century revolutions in Europe. A great resource for exploring themes of beauty, suffering, and urban alienation.
Examines the cultural and economic changes that have occurred in the postmodern era.
Collects some of Habermas's most important essays on modernity and its discontents.
Seminal work in the history of philosophy and aesthetics. It explores the origins of tragedy in Greek culture and argues that tragedy vital force for human life.
Save
Rousseau's classic work on political philosophy is essential reading for understanding the development of modern thought about the nature of society and government.
Huff challenges the Eurocentric view of the development of modernity by examining the rise of major civilizations throughout the world. The book valuable introduction to the global forces that shaped the modern world.
Classic text of postmodern theory. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the postmodern critique of modernism and the implications of this critique for our understanding of knowledge, truth, and power.
Foster examines the environmental crisis, arguing that capitalism is incompatible with sustainability. The book is essential reading for those interested in the future of the planet.
Joyce's modernist masterpiece is essential reading for understanding the development of modern thought about literature and language.
Philosophical novel that explores the themes of nihilism, individualism, and the Übermensch.
A dense but important work on the nature of human reality. This will provide context for discussing estrangement as a feature of modernity in Nietzsche, Baudelaire, and the painters.
Another primary source that is useful in understanding Nietzsche's critique of modernity and his notion of the "Ubermensch".
Collection of essays that explores the ethical and political challenges facing humanity in the 21st century.
Save
Classic work of German idealism that explores the nature of consciousness and the development of human history.
Flaubert's masterpiece of realism is essential reading for understanding the development of modern thought about literature and society.
Baudelaire's groundbreaking collection of poetry is essential reading for understanding the development of modern thought about beauty and evil.
Save
Classic work of political philosophy. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the origins of modern political thought.
Nietzsche's influential work on aesthetics and philosophy is essential reading for understanding the development of modern thought about art and culture.
Lasch examines the decline of the self in the postmodern era, arguing that narcissism has replaced authentic individuality.
Wallerstein challenges the idea of a singular, linear path to modernity by examining the development of capitalism and its effects on the world.
This classic work examines the philosophical and political ideas that led to the French Revolution.
Marx and Engels's classic work on political economy and social theory is essential reading for understanding the development of modern thought about capitalism and revolution.
Controversial work that argues that the end of the Cold War marks the end of history and the triumph of liberal democracy.
Foundational work of evolutionary biology that outlines the theory of natural selection.
Classic work of phenomenology that explores the nature of perception and the relationship between mind and body.
Save
Provides a concise and accessible overview of the Enlightenment, its key thinkers, and its impact on modern thought and society. It valuable resource for students who want to understand the intellectual and historical context of the course material.
Philosophical work that explores the origins of morality and the nature of good and evil.
A primary source that will be useful primarily as background, adding depth to the discussion of the relation between the Apollonian and Dionysian in Nietzsche's philosophy. This work also discusses the origins of Greek tragedy.
Foundational work of Marxism that outlines the theory of class struggle and the inevitability of communist revolution.
Classic work of French literature that explores the themes of love, marriage, and social class.
Florida examines the rise of the creative class in the postmodern economy.
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Woolf's experimental novel is essential reading for understanding the development of modern thought about time and consciousness.
More of an academic text for those undertaking advanced study of Marxism and the 19th century milieu surrounding the birth of modernism and modern society.
Foundational work of psychoanalysis that explores the nature of dreams and the unconscious mind.
Collection of aphorisms and essays that explore Nietzsche's ideas on morality, religion, and the meaning of life.
Wilde's Gothic novel is essential reading for understanding the development of modern thought about morality and aesthetics.
Freud's classic work on psychoanalysis is essential reading for understanding the development of modern thought about the human mind.
Necessary background information as natural selection primary force in Nietzsche's thought.
Classic work of science. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the origins of evolutionary theory.
Polemic against Christianity. Nietzsche argues that Christianity slave morality that has poisoned Western culture.
Important supplemental reading to "On the Origin of Species" for greater depth of understanding.
Classic work of philosophy. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the origins of the postmodern critique of modernism.
Classic work of philosophy. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the origins of the postmodern critique of modernism.
Defense of liberalism. Sandel argues that liberalism is the best way to protect individual freedom and equality.
Classic work of philosophy. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the origins of the postmodern critique of modernism.
Classic work of philosophy. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the origins of existentialism.
Save
Classic work of feminist theory. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the origins of the postmodern critique of modernism.
Classic work of postcolonial theory. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the origins of the postmodern critique of modernism.
Controversial work of international relations. Huntington argues that the world is divided into different civilizations, and that these civilizations are in conflict with each other.
Classic work of postmodern theory. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the origins of the postmodern critique of modernism.
Popular work of finance. Taleb argues that the world is full of unexpected events, and that we need to be prepared for them.
Popular work of history. Harari tells the story of human history, from the Stone Age to the present day.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rv0n2v/the
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Michael S. Roth
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Good to know
Examines the conceptual foundations and historical development of European intellectual traditions that have shaped contemporary society
Taught by experienced professor Michael S. Roth
Suitable for learners interested in cultural studies and history
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