Description:
In this class we will explore general trends in the history of ideas and creative expression. We first will devote some time to the various popular, and at times academic, meanings of terms such as “romance,” “romantic,” and “romanticism.” Then we will discuss four general strands of “romanticism’s” historical knots.
1. The radical reconceptualization of “nature” that evolves with the rise of science and democracy.
2. The liberation and validation of emotion resulting from a rejection of “reason” and conventions.
3. The Gothic revivals that develop from a nostalgia for the formalities of Medieval Gothicism, and also the radical neo-gothic expressions that become vehicles for the subversive and forbidden.
4. The “Romantic Agony” resulting from gaps between high, often
idealistic, expectations and grounded realities.
We also will discuss which versions of the four strands persist today, and what forms they take. I hope to enhance our discussions with
representative examples from art, music and literature.
Emilio DeGrazia, Professor Emeritus at Winona State University, taught English at WSU from 1969 until his retirement in 2002. His scholarly interests center mainly on British and American romanticism and classical mythology, but creative writing was important to his teaching career. He has written pieces about Herman Melville, Edgar Allan Poe, Ole Rolvaag, Emily Bronte and others, and during his teaching career began seeing his poetry, creative prose and fiction published. In 1976 he founded and edited Great River Review, now the official literary magazine at the University of Minnesota. He has had two books of poetry, two novels and collections of short fiction, and two collections of creative prose published by small presses. He and his wife Monica also have co-edited three anthologies of Minnesota creative writing for Nodin Press of Minneapolis.
Bring to Class:
LOCATION: Winona State University, Winona Campus, Minne 237
SENIOR UNIVERSITY CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
If a class must be canceled due to insufficient enrollment, inclement weather, or emergency circumstances, you will be notified as soon as possible and receive a full refund.
You may withdraw from a class and receive a full refund if we receive your withdrawal and refund request in writing, via email, mail or in person, at least five full business days before the first class date. Please note: if you pay by check, you will need to complete a W9 form to receive a refund by check from Winona State University. Credit Card payments will be refunded within 3-5 business days.
Any questions, please get in touch with the WSU Retiree Center at 507-457-5565.
Registration Cutoff Date:
10/14/2025
Dates & Times:
10/15/2025 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
10/22/2025 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
10/29/2025 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
11/5/2025 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
11/12/2025 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
11/19/2025 2:30PM - 4:00PM
Arranged
