INST 3021 - Once Upon a Time in the West: Ideas and Society, Then and Now

Hours: 3
Explores how individuals and societies have engaged with the conditions of human existence in the West. In their politics, religions, economics, sciences, and literatures, people in the past have struggled with the same enduring questions we today face: What is the good life? What is worth believing in? How can an individual or a culture keep going in the face of catastrophe and tragedy? Is there a public or a common good? Is there an ultimate reality we can rely on? We will analyze the similarities and differences in how societies responded to these enduring questions in four eras: the ancient world, the middle ages and renaissance; the early modern era; and the twentieth century. In our exploration we will interpret key literary works in the context of that society’s history and culture. We will consider how their ideas and answers were shaped by history; how ideas and history have shaped the world we live in now; and how these enduring issues continue challenge us and our society today. Based on our collective findings about the past, students will reflect on and fashion their own personal response to these fundamental questions.
Prerequisites: Jr standing or above, and a minimum of one course from at least four of the following INST threads: 2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, and 2800. Not open to students with credit for any INST 3000-level course.

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INST 3021 - Once Upon a Time in the West: Ideas and Society, Then and Now