Last modified: 28 Jul 2025 09:46
This course provides an introduction to the French Enlightenment, exploring the social, political and philosophical significance of a number of representative works of the 17th and 18th centuries by authors such as Voltaire, Diderot and Rousseau. We will study how authors used innovative literary forms to challenge prevailing beliefs and to reflect on Enlightenment notions such as reason, toleration, human progress, and social contract theories.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
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| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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This course provides an introduction to the French Enlightenment, exploring the social, political and philosophical significance of a number of representative works of the 17th and 18th centuries by authors such as Voltaire, Diderot and Rousseau. We will study how authors used innovative literary forms to challenge prevailing beliefs and to reflect on Enlightenment notions such as reason, toleration, human progress, and social contract theories. The French Enlightenment will be studied in a global context, and we will consider the circulation of ideas between authors associated with the English, Scottish and American Enlightenment. We will also look at the reception and legacies of the French Enlightenment from the early modern period to the present day. The prescribed texts may vary from year to year, but might include examples such as: ‘Dom Juan’ by Molière; ‘Candide’ by Voltaire; ‘Rameau’s Nephew’ by Diderot and ‘The Social Contract’ by Rousseau. (Note: the course does not require prior knowledge of French history or culture, and all texts are available in English translation.)
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
1,000-word close reading essay. Close reading of an excerpt from one of the first two authors studied on the course.
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Word Count | 1000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 70 | |
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| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
2,500-word comparative essay. Feedback will be given in a written form. Additional informal feedback on performance is offered in tutorials. Tutors have office hours at which further feedback may be sought. |
Word Count | 2500 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
2,500-word take home exam. Written feedback in the form of tutors' comments is given. Tutors have office hours at which further feedback may be sought. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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| Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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