From Enlightenment Culture to Popular Culture

Catalog description

Course constructs a sociological history of French (and partially European) culture by routinely using the city of Paris as an example. Analyzes conflicts inherited by contemporary culture in highlighting major moments that have defined it since pre-revolutionary era. Focuses on theoretical issues raised by each period, and the manner in which sociologists and critical theorists addressed them--from opposition of nature and culture just as it plays out for the pre-romantics, to the criticism of mass-culture by post-modern theorists. Sessions will be chronological, and will introduce and cover principle problems of social sciences. Taught in French through the Duke in France Program.