LIT-413 Truth, Desire, and the Ethics of Representation in the Enlightenment
In the 18th century, pornography, philosophy, and fiction were regular bedfellows. Enlightenment writers used the pornographic mode—the art of explicit representation—to dissect, scrutinize, and critique the religious and political status quo, to present things both as they are and as they should be. How does a pornographic lens help us to see truths that might otherwise escape us? Who is harmed in this search for truth? Are representations of sex necessarily political? Readings will include Eliza Haywood, John Cleland, Marquis de Sade, Mary Hays, and Matthew Lewis.
Seminar (12)
Credits
1
Prerequisite
three courses in literature. Open to juniors and seniors only.
Offered
Fall
Notes
(History or Theory). Not offered in 2021-2022.