HIST 315 - Frankenstein in European History

Credits: 5

This course uses the 19th century novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley as a focal point for a discussion about the emergence of modern Europe. The course begins with a study of the science and technology that inspired the novel, and the intellectual context for Shelley’s ideas. It then carries the themes of the novel -including those of technology, gender, and education- forward into a discussion of key events in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The novel serves as a lens through which we can examine such issues as industrialization, imperialism, and warfare in Europe. It is recommended students take a survey course in World Civilization prior to taking this course. [available in even years]