History of Emotions- Period 2+3

The history of emotions is a burgeoning research field in cultural history that is highly interdisciplinary in character. Both historical, literary, social, philosophical and medical scholars investigate the role of emotions and emotional behavior. In this course you will study themes such as religious emotions in late medieval convents, early modern medical theories about the bodily humours, the understanding of emotions by the philosophers Descartes and Hume, emotions in early modern theater, the concept of melancholy, the experience of fear and sorrow. We will also iscuss the theoretical concepts and methods used by scholars to study the cultural varieties in emotional behavior and experience. A central and recurring theme will be the (experienced) embodiment of emotions. Where did contemporary doctors and philosophers locate emotions in the body? What cultural rules reigned the bodily expression of emotions?

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.