Understanding Sentimentalism: The Art of Emotion in the Age of Reason

How did artists and writers shift from the rigid rules of Classicism to the deeply personal world of human emotion? Sentimentalism emerged during the Enlightenment as a powerful rebellion of the heart against the intellect, redefining how we express feelings, appreciate nature, and value individual experiences. This text-only course guides you through the foundational concepts, historical context, and key manifestations of Sentimentalism across literature, music, and the visual arts. You will develop a rich vocabulary to analyze historical works and understand how this movement laid the groundwork for Romanticism and modern empathy-driven storytelling. What you'll learn: Understand the historical origins of Sentimentalism as a reaction to Classicism and Baroque rationalism; Analyze key themes of the movement, including the glorification of nature, simple life, and intense emotional expression; Identify sentimentalist characteristics in 18th-century literature, music, and painting through written case studies; Explore how the movement influenced the development of Romanticism and modern cultural attitudes toward empathy; Apply critical reading frameworks to interpret historical texts and artistic philosophies of the Enlightenment. The course begins with essential terminology and the cultural landscape of the late 18th century, then progresses to detailed textual analyses of major works, and concludes with a look at the movement's enduring legacy. Designed for art history enthusiasts, literature lovers, and beginners with no prior background in cultural studies. Step into the emotional world of the Enlightenment and enrich your understanding of cultural history today.