An introduction to 18th century liberties

- How ideas about freedom and individual rights emerged from the religious warfare and political absolutism of the 17th century
- Explore how figures from Voltaire to Fragonard developed radical ideas of artistic, political, creative, personal and religious freedoms.

Each week there will be an informative talk, using PowerPoint, during which class discussion will be encouraged. We shall use small group work to analyse original sources and a range of handouts will be available for discussion purposes. Occasionally small pieces of homework reading will be distributed to augment your knowledge. You are encouraged to bring along/describe items you have read in newspapers/heard on radio/seen on TV you think may be of interest to the group.