Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/modern-postmodern-2
In the ever-evolving landscape of philosophy and literature, understanding the transition from modernity to postmodernity is crucial for anyone interested in cultural studies. Coursera’s course, ‘The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 2)’, offers an insightful exploration of these concepts, diving deep into the philosophical underpinnings that have shaped our contemporary world.
### Course Overview
This course examines how the notion of ‘the modern’ emerged at the end of the 18th century, particularly in European philosophy and literature. It poses the critical question: Are we still in modernity, or have we transitioned into a postmodern era? This inquiry is not just academic; it resonates with our daily lives and cultural experiences.
### Syllabus Highlights
The course is structured around several key themes:
1. **Intensity and the Ordinary: Sex, Death, Aggression, and Guilt** – Here, students engage with Freud’s theories, exploring how deep-seated instincts manifest in everyday life.
2. **Art, Loss, Forgiveness** – Through Virginia Woolf’s ‘To the Lighthouse’, the course encourages students to let go of the quest for absolute truth, focusing instead on the beauty of the ordinary.
3. **The Postmodern Everyday** – This section revisits thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Ludwig Wittgenstein, examining how language and life forms shape our understanding of reality.
4. **From Critical Theory to Postmodernism** – Students confront the philosophical challenges posed by figures like Horkheimer, Adorno, and Foucault, exploring the politics of control in a fragmented world.
5. **Postmodern Identities** – The course delves into the works of Judith Butler and Slavoj Žižek, analyzing how identities are constructed and performed in a foundationless society.
6. **Postmodern Pragmatisms** – Finally, the course considers the resurgence of pragmatism, emphasizing the importance of addressing real human problems in philosophical discourse.
### Why You Should Enroll
This course is not just for philosophy majors; it’s for anyone curious about the cultural shifts that define our times. The engaging content, combined with the opportunity to interact with fellow learners, makes for a rich educational experience. The optional writing assignment also provides a chance to delve deeper into the material, allowing for personal reflection and critical analysis.
### Conclusion
‘The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 2)’ is a thought-provoking course that challenges students to reconsider their understanding of modernity and postmodernity. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a curious newcomer, this course will equip you with the tools to navigate the complexities of contemporary culture. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to expand their intellectual horizons and engage with some of the most significant philosophical debates of our time.
### Tags
1. Modernity
2. Postmodernity
3. Philosophy
4. Cultural Studies
5. Virginia Woolf
6. Freud
7. Critical Theory
8. Identity
9. Coursera
10. Online Learning
### Topic
Philosophy and Cultural Change
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/modern-postmodern-2