Foundations of Western Culture: The Making of the Modern World
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this survey of literary and philosophical texts tracing the emergence of the modern world from the seventeenth through the early twentieth century. The course follows the growth of individualism in a universe no longer centered on humanity, and the rise of a new humanism that is both troubled and dynamic compared to classical models. Readings are drawn from major figures spanning this period, and classroom discussion works through the material by examining action, character, voice, and literary form rather than abstract summary. The organizing question throughout is what actually separates the ancient world from the modern one. Materials include the reading list and course structure as used at MIT; there is no cost to access them, and the course builds on themes introduced in a companion Foundations of Western Culture course.