WGST 334 The Fin-de-Siècle: Vienna-Paris-St. Petersburg (Same as History 334) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)

HIST 334 The Fin-de-Siècle: Vienna-Paris-St. Petersburg (Same as Women's and Gender Studies 334) (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)
This course will introduce students to some of the most significant and exciting social, artistic, intellectual, and political developments in fin-de-siècle Europe (1870 to 1914). "Fin-de-siècle" is a concept that denotes not only a historical period - the end of a century - but refers to a consciousness of living in a time of accelerated change and crisis. Intellectuals and artists of the decades we will be examining were preoccupied with "degeneration," loss of innocence, meaning, morality, and the inner self. They were simultaneously fascinated and horrified by technological innovation, emergent political and ideological currents, and the challenges to traditional values and identities posed by them. After a survey of political upheavals during the European fin-de- siècle, the course will focus on three metropolises consecutively: Vienna, Paris, and St. Petersburg. Through analyses of historical literature, novels, music, visual art, and the seminal texts of psychoanalysis we will explore how the self, public life, gender relations, sexuality, and aesthetics were conceived and re-imagined in each city, and bring to light the sensibilities and culture they shared.
Format: seminar. Evaluation will be based on class participation, an oral presentation, two short critical essays based on class readings, and a final research paper. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 30 (expected 20-25).
Group C
FISHZON