LITR 058S. Human Monsters: Representations of the Limits of Humanity in the Early Modern World


(Cross-listed as SPAN 058 )
What does it mean to be human?  What does it mean to be a monster?  Under what conditions and at what point does one exceed or not meet the standards of humanity and become a monster?  Focusing on the so-called 'Age of Exploration,' this course examines the ways in which authors, artists, politicians and philosophers imagined the limits between the human and the monstrous during the early modern period. Ranging from classical mythology and the medieval worldview to Renaissance drama and the chronicles of the discovery of the New World, we will consider the physical, psychological and cultural boundaries of the human and the monstrous, as well as explore the ways these identities shift across time and space and have a continuing impact on the way with think of otherness today.

Taught in English. No prior knowledge of Spanish is necessary. This class is open to all students, without prerequisites.

Note: Spanish courses taught in English (LITR.S courses) do not count towards the Spanish minor. One Spanish course taken in English may count towards the Spanish major.
Humanities.
1 credit.
Eligible for LALS
Catalog chapter: Spanish  
Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/spanish/courses


Access the class schedule to search for sections.




Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window)