EXPR 311(F) Global Seminar: Modern and Postmodern Subjects (Same as Religion 311)

This seminar will examine the notion of the modern subject and investigate the ways in which contemporary social and technological developments are transforming subjectivity. The course will be divided into two parts. During the first half of the semester, the development of the modern notion of subjectivity from Descartes through Hume and Kant to Hegel will be considered. In the second half of the course, philosophical and cultural criticisms of the modern subject will be examined. In addition to recent literary and philosophical works, the impact of electronic and telematic technologies will be studied. Students will be required to view videos and to research websites as well as online discussion groups. In an effort to bring together theory and practice, the seminar will be taught at Monash University, Australia, and Williams College, and a third of the meetings will be jointly conducted via teleconferencing. The question guiding the investigation will be: What is the fate of the modern subject in cyberspace? Requirements: one 20- to 25-page final paper and leading one discussion section. Satisfies one semester of Division II requirement.

Hour: TAYLOR