HIST 328 The Age of Enlightenment

Ideas, politics, and society in 18th century Europe, especially France, where challenges to authority and tradition boosted confidence in reason and progress and eventually exploded the Old Regime. Particular attention will be given to the "republic of letters," of the philosophes whose mission was to bring about reform by "changing the common way of thinking." The role of women in this "salon" society will be examined, as will such controversial works as Dangerous Liaisons and the writings of the Marquis de Sade.