PHIL 3160/ENG 3160

Philosophy in Literature and Film

Dr. Janet Donohoe

Spring 2008

 

1.  Learning Outcomes:  The aim of this course is to address the theme of knowledge and tradition in philosophical and literary texts as well as in film.  We will attempt to grasp how authors understand the relation of tradition to what we know and how we know it.  We ask these questions in an effort to come to a deeper understanding of ourselves as human beings and our own relationship to our traditions.  By the end of the semester students will be able to:

 

• Analyze philosophical positions of major philosophers dealing with the issues of epistemology and tradition.
• Exhibit familiarity with at least three different philosophical theories.
• Clearly explain and critically address a philosophical position in both written and oral form.
• Explain the relationship between theories of tradition and other philosophical positions on epistemology, ontology, and subjectivity.
• Explain some of the ways in which literature and film can be philosophical.
• Exhibit an ability to read literary texts and films with an eye to their philosophical themes.
• demonstrate their command of academic English and of the tenets of sound composition by means of thesis-driven analytical prose.

 

NOTE: A “W” designation after a section number of a 3000- or 4000-leve course signifies that the course is a Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) course. WAC accepts as a guiding principle the idea that writing is a valuable tool for learning and communication. Therefore, the writing components of a course so designated are designed to help you learn the material and communicate what you have learned. Students are required to take two “W” courses for an undergraduate degree in the College of Arts and Sciences.

 

2.         Requirements:  Because this is a Writing Across the Curriculum course, the writing element will be substantial and will involve informal response papers as well as formal paper writing.  The requirements for the class are fivefold.

                        a)         class discussion and participation                                    10%

                        b)         WTL response papers                                                   20%

                        c)         WTL in-class written midterm exam                               20%

                        d)         WTC final paper of 3000-3600 words                             25%

                        e)         in-class written final exam                                              25%

 

In order to meet these requirements, it will be necessary to attend class regularly and to do the assigned reading.  It will be evident if you have not done the reading and this will not be beneficial to your success in this class.  Papers absolutely will not be accepted after the due date unless you have discussed it with me prior to the due date.

 

The Department of English and Philosophy defines plagiarism as taking personal credit for the thinking of others as it is presented in electronic, print, and verbal sources.  The Department expects that students will accurately credit sources in all assignments.  Plagiarism is grounds for failing the course and may result in further consequences of being expelled from the University.

 

3.         Availability:  I am available outside of class during office hours, or by appointment.  If there are questions or problems, do not hesitate to see me.

 

Hours:  MWF 10:00 am-12:00 noon.

Office:  TLC 2250

Phone:  678-839-4743

e-mail:  jdonohoe@westga.edu

 

4.         Book List:  The books listed below should be available in the bookstore. 

Sophocles               Antigone

Plato                       The Trial and Death of Socrates

Eco                                    The Name of the Rose

Stoppard                 Arcadia

 

The following pieces will be available on electronic library reserves.

Hawthorne              “The Birthmark”

Heidegger               “The Question Concerning Technology”

Benjamin                “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction”

Derrida                   “Differance”

 

We will view the following films.

 

“A Man for All Seasons” by Fred Zinnemann

“Modern Times” by Charlie Chaplin

“Thin Blue Line” by Errol Morris

“The Apostle” by Robert Duvall

CALENDAR

 

1/9              Introduction to themes of the course: Tradition, Knowledge, Truth.  Discussion of genre and philosophy.

 

Section I.   Knowledge/Truth vs. Tradition

1/14                        Discussion of Themes of the Course.  Begin Sophocles   Antigone

1/16                        Antigone

1/21                        MLK Day—No Classes

1/23                        Antigone

1/28                        Plato     Crito (1^st response paper due)

1/30                        Crito

2/4                          “A Man For All Seasons”

2/6                          “A Man For All Seasons”

 

Section II. Revealed Truth/Knowledge vs. Reason

2/11                        Eco      The Name of the Rose

2/13                        The Name of the Rose

2/18                        The Name of the Rose

2/20                        The Name of the Rose

2/25                        The Name of the Rose

2/27                        The Name of the Rose, “The Apostle” (2^nd response paper due)

3/3                          “The Apostle”

 

Section III.            Scientific Knowledge vs. Artistic Knowledge.  Where is Truth?  What is Tradition?

3/5                          Midterm Exam

3/10                        Hawthorne        The Birthmark

3/12                        The Birthmark, Heidegger        “The Question Concerning Technology”

3/14                        “The Question Concerning Technology”

3/17-3/21                Spring Break

3/24                        “The Question Concerning Technology”

3/26                        Benjamin “The Work of Art” (3^rd response paper due)

3/31                        “Work of Art”

4/2                          “Modern Times”

4/7                          “Modern Times”

 

Section IV.  Is Knowledge possible?  Is there Truth?  Is there only Tradition?

4/9                          Stoppard           Arcadia (4^th response paper due)

4/14                        Arcadia

4/16                        Arcadia  (Paper due)

4/21                        Derrida “Differance”

4/23                        “Differance”

4/28                        “Thin Blue Line”

4/30                        Summary Conclusions/Review

 

Final Exam is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2008 from 2:00-4:00 pm.