The research group 1700
The Research Group 1700 is an interdisciplinary research group that works on the long 18th century across faculties, institutes, and institutions in Bergen. Our research group meetings are open to everyone, and new group members are always welcome!
About the research group
Focus area: FROM SEDUCTION TO INFATUATION
Seminar led by Maurseth and Valeur, spring semester 2025.
The seminar (with course codes KVIK203, ALLV250, ALLV307) explores seduction and infatuation in famous literary works from the Enlightenment to Romanticism. What does it mean to seduce and to be seduced? How does it feel? Can seduction lead to infatuation? If so, is that good or bad? What is the essence of the art of seduction, and what really drives a seducer to want to "conquer" their victim, time and time again?
The seminar moves chronologically from the development of the diabolical seducer archetype in the 17th century, through the so-called libertine novel of the 18th century, and concludes with a discussion around seduction, infatuation, and marriage at the end of the century when Romanticism made its mark.
The reading materials include Molière: Don Juan, John Milton: Paradise Lost, Laclos: Dangerous Liaisons, Tobias Smollett: The Adventures of Roderick Random, Goethe: The Sorrows of Young Werther, Austen: Persuasion, and Tieck: Rune Mountain.
Anne Beate Maurseth, Peter Svare Valeur, and Jørgen Sejersted will provide the instruction.
Publications
Selected publications
People
Group manager
Anne Beate Maurseth Leader
Peter Svare Valeur Vice leader
Group members
Jørgen Magnus Sejersted Groupmember