Close readings of major works by, e.g., Descartes, Pascal, La Fayette, La Rochefoucauld, and La Bruyere. Themes include 17th century theories of self, early modern epistemology, notions of honnetete and the critical analysis of human motives and behavior, the emerging novel, and the critique of heroic idealism and of the monarchic absolutism of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Readings in French, but may be taught in English. Prerequisites: Restricted to graduate students only.
