BASC80029 - Friedrich Schiller, On the Aesthetic Education of Humankind in a Series of Letters

Course Description

German poet and playwright Friedrich Schiller digs into human political and intellectual history to develop a powerful and concise argument about the critical role of arts and literature on human moral and intellectual development. Best known as a founder of German romanticism, playwright, and author of the poem "Ode to Joy" that became the basis for the ending of Beethoven's 9th symphony. Schiller was also highly engaged with the philosophical movements of his day, including Kant's work on "the sublime and the beautiful". In this influential piece, Schiller uses a series of brief letters to build into a compelling philosophical analysis of why human beings, both as individuals and as societies, need to experience and learn the arts if we are to realize our individual human potential and achieve a better world. We will read and analyze the letters step by step, using historical and philosophical contexts to clarify and appreciate the nuances of his argument.

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Course Syllabus

Notes

Online registration closes August 31 at 5:00 pm CT.