What is Baroque?

In this seminar we will explore the concept of the Baroque in the literature, arts, and sciences of the 17th and 18th centuries, taking special care to differentiate between aesthetic and historical definitions of the term. We will study representations of the Baroque in Hispanic poetry, drama, painting, architecture, and music. We will also focus on its connections with philosophy, astronomy, mathematics and anatomy. Students will also be encouraged to look for traces of the Baroque in contemporary culture. Other questions to be considered include: What is the difference between Baroque and neo-Baroque? What do we mean when we use the adjective "baroque" to describe a contemporary painting, a film or a video game? Can we talk about a Baroque revival in the 20th or even the 21st century?