Modernist Literature and Culture: From Nietzsche to Fellini

The turn of the twentieth century brought rapid industrialization, scientific breakthroughs, and social upheaval, shattering traditional views of reality. How did writers, philosophers, and filmmakers make sense of this fragmented new world? This text-only course guides you through the foundational concepts of Modernism, tracing its development across different countries, media, and genres. You will read, analyze, and interpret key works that defined this revolutionary era, gaining a deep appreciation for how modern art reflects the complexities of human experience. What you will learn: Understand the core philosophical foundations of Modernism, starting with the influential ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche; Analyze how modernist writers experimented with narrative structure, stream of consciousness, and subjective perspective; Explore the transition from traditional storytelling to modern cinema through the visual language of directors like Federico Fellini; Examine the impact of scientific discoveries on the artistic representation of time and space; Trace the themes of alienation, fragmentation, and identity across diverse cultural contexts; Apply modern literary analysis techniques to interpret complex texts in their historical framework. The course begins by establishing key terminology and historical context, moving from early philosophical shifts to the height of literary experimentation and early cinema. Through structured readings and written analytical exercises, you will explore how these diverse artistic expressions converge. Designed entirely for beginners, this course requires no prior background in literary theory or philosophy. Start your journey into the heart of modern cultural history today.