Women and Enlightenment
Course Description
Summary
The Enlightenment might be considered one of the most enduring revolutions in Europe. The invention of empirical science, new philosophies, and the secular discourse of the various Enlightenments (French, Scottish, English, and German) created the intellectual platform on which we are still standing today. It was also a movement in which women were visible and prominent – intellectually bold, politically active, and challenging the status quo in every field. In this course, we follow the women and men who were part of this process, examine similarities and differences, and illuminate the assumptions implicit in the intellectual fabric of our world.
Learning Outcomes
- Learning outcomes for all courses
Students taking this course will engage with the joy of doing good history. Specifically, they will:
1. Learn about one facet of the multifaceted, never-ending, and eternally surprising realities of the past.
2. Learn how to respectfully analyze historical facts and documents through an understanding of those who made them.
3. Learn how to express those respectful analyses in writing.
Prerequisites
At least one course in History and/or another course in SCT, plus permission of instructor. Students must email Carol Pal (cpal@bennington.edu) a week before registration to express interest.