A. Sammartino (History)
4 SS, W-INT
Full Course -- 4 Credits
Fall Semester FYSP 154-01 TR 11:00-12:15
In the years leading up to World War I, the multinational Austro-Hungarian empire was torn apart by nationalism and anti-Semitism. It was also the seedbed for unmatched artistic and intellectual creativity. In a few short years, in one turbulent city, modern artists created a new style of visual arts, modern composers redefined the form and aspirations of musical expression, Sigmund Freud invented the new discipline of psychoanalysis, and popular anti-Semites, precursors to the Nazis, mobilized people in new and disturbing ways. How do we connect this political turmoil and intellectual and artistic creativity? In this seminar, we will explore the politics, culture, and intellectual life of this extraordinary city at this extraordinary moment in history. We will read texts by Sigmund Freud and Robert Musil. We will also listen to the music of Gustav Mahler and Arnold Schoenberg. And we will look at original works of art by Oscar Kokoschka, Gustav Klimt, and Egon Schiele, including some that are held in the collection of the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College.