Great Books of the Early Modern World

We have lost the skill of reading a book. This course focuses on using the tools in the literature tool box to maximize understanding of what we read, which results in a deeper love of the material. In this course we will examine key works of literature from the late 17th century to the early 19th century. In addition to covering the content of the books we read, we will place particular emphasis on how to read a book and understand it in its overall context. Also, we will examine the historical development of ideas through the lens of a biblical worldview.

Course Objectives:

Students will: - learn how to use the tools in the literature tool box in an effort to better understand what they read. - grow to appreciate and love what they are reading due to increased understanding of how to read a book. - better understand the tremendous impact of early modern thinkers on the philosophical environment of the Western world. - begin to formulate a Christian response to secular perspectives.

Texts:

-The Pilgrim’s Progress -Gulliver’s Travels -The Social Contract -Frankenstein -Northanger Abbey -Notes from Underground -The Screwtape Letters