IDE2048 – Freedom and Progress: An Intellectual History of the Enlightenment

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The Enlightenment marks for many the birth of the Modern Age and evokes ideals of religious tolerance, political emancipation and human betterment. But how were such ideals expressed and what were their limits? This is a course about European thought from the end of the seventeenth century up until the time of the French Revolution. We will read a number of primary texts from different parts of eighteenth-century Europe, texts that articulate different conceptions of humanity, society and the state, about religion and the church, commerce and the economy. In the course, we will also discuss the reception history of the Enlightenment and its uses in contemporary debates.

Learning outcome

Having completed this course, you will have acquired:

  • in-depth knowledge of the age of Enlightenment as a period in intellectual history.
  • in-depth knowledge of some important primary texts from the period.
  • knowledge of research literature on the age of Enlightenment.
  • an understanding of how different thinkers position themselves vis-à-vis others.
  • the ability to assess and present core ideas of the age of Enlightenment.
  • the ability to read and understand demanding texts and situate them in their historical context.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

We strongly recommend that you have completed IDE1104 – Vestens idéer fra antikken til 1600 and IDE1105 – Vestens idéer fra 1600 til vår egen tidor equivalent.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

10 double sessions of lectures (together with IDE4048)

4 double sessions of seminars

We expect you to prepare for the seminars and to participate actively in discussions.

For you to be admitted to final examination the teacher must approve (accept as satisfactory) the following compulsory tuition activity:

  • oral presentation in class

Examination

Home examination (Monday-Thursday) at the end of the semester. Length: 7-9 pages.

In order for you to qualify for the final examination, the compulsory tuition activity must be approved by the teacher.

Language of examination

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 5, 2026 9:34:59 PM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn
This course is offered irregularly. Contact the study adviser.
Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
  • English
  • Norwegian (English on request)

Contact

Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas