This course surveys the historical avant-gardes of the early twentieth century, focusing on Eastern and Central European avant-gardes and comparing them with the West. Futurism, Dadaism, Constructivism, Poetism and Surrealism will be discussed in detail. Special issues will include the role of language, mass media and technology in the avant-garde. Among other topics are the women artists of the avant-garde, manifesto as a genre, New Typography, and the avant-garde conception of the book. Avant-garde and interwar politics will be a constant theme.