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The
T 6.00-8.50pm
Classroom: AD
245
Costica Bradatan
Office:
McClellan 202A
Office
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 11.30-12.30pm & 2.00-3.00 (& by
appointment)
Office
Phone: (806) 742-0036 (ext
248)
Email:
costica.bradatan@ttu.edu
Webpage: http://www.webpages.ttu.edu/cbradata/
Course
Description:
Philosophy is about deep questions such
as (the quest for) God, suffering, solitude, alienation, loss, death, and
meaninglessness. Cinema offers an excellent way of visualizing these issues, of
fleshing them out in an expressive and immediately intuitive manner. This
interdisciplinary seminar explores these topics through guided viewing of
philosophically-minded films such as Hotel
Rwanda, The Experiment, Stalker, The
Barbarian Invasions, Burnt by the Sun, Rashomon, Dogville, Life is Beautiful, Repentance.
Film viewing will be enriched through reading from the works of major authors
of the Western tradition such as Plato,
By combining close reading of
philosophical and literary texts with visual studies, existential hermeneutics
and literary analysis, this course aims at detecting philosophical problems in
the sphere of everyday life, as well as tracing the ways in which various
“lived experiences” come to be incorporated into the production of
philosophical and literary texts.
Course
Learning Objectives:
HONS 3301-H05 satisfies the university
core curriculum requirement in Humanities: “The objective of the humanities in
a core curriculum is to expand the student’s knowledge of the human condition
and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values
expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in
disciplines such as literature and philosophy, students will engage in critical
analysis and develop an appreciation of the humanities as fundamental to the
health and survival of any society. Students
graduating from Texas Tech University should be able to think critically and
demonstrate an understanding of the possibility of multiple interpretations, cultural
contexts, and values.” (TTU
Catalogue)
Specifically, upon successful completion of this
course students should:
Disclaimer: An essential component of this seminar is watching, discussing about, and
interpreting a series art films that help us better grasp the concepts, notions
and ideas covered in class. Some of these films might display content (nudity,
language, violence, etc.) that some of you might find provocative or
inappropriate.
Required Texts:
·
Berkeley, G. Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous (p. 148-208)**
·
The Bible (King James
version)
·
Buber, M. I and Thou (pp. 3-58)**
·
Jaspers, K. The Question of the German Guilt (pp. 31-46; 51-81)**
·
Koestler, A. Darkness at Noon (Bantam, 1984; ISBN: 0553265954)*
·
Machiavelli, N. The Prince (Chap. XV-XXV)**
·
Milosz, C. The Captive Mind (pp. 25-81)**
·
Nietzsche, F. The Gay Science (p. 120-121)**
·
Ortega y Gasset, J. The Revolt of the Masses (pp. 125-186)**
·
Pascal, B. Pensees (Section II and III) [online]
·
Plato, Republic (514a-520a [Allegory
of the Cave])**
·
Rorty, R. Contingency, Irony, Solidarity (pp. 3-43)**
·
Solzhenitsyn, A. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch (Signet
Classics, 1998, ISBN: 0451527097)*
·
Tolstoy, L. The Death of Ivan Ilyich (Bantam, 1981; ISBN:
0553210351)*
It is
recommended that those books marked with an asterisk (*) be purchased as they
will be used more extensively. All these books may be purchased from the TTU
bookstores.
You may also purchase them from other bookstores or online, provided that the
ISBNs are the ones given above. Fragments
from books marked with ** are on electronic reserve.
Course
Requirements:
1. Attendance and active class
participation:
Since this is
an (honors) seminar, it is imperative
that you attend and participate in every class. Please do not be late! Any
unexcused absence will have an impact on your class participation/attendance
grade (10% for each absence). After four (4) unexcused absences the instructor
may, at his discretion, recommend the University Registrar to drop the student from the
course. An absence is excused when you provide serious
documented evidence about it (signed note from the physician, signed letter
from the Dean, death notice, etc.) Active participation in classroom discussions includes (but is not
limited to): posing relevant questions; making informed comments and
formulating original points of view, establishing a fruitful dialogue with the
other students during the class, etc. When formulating your points of view,
remarks or comments, please do so in a respectful manner, in such a way as not
to harm the feelings of the other members of the class. Please be tolerant and respect
the religious, political and intellectual opinions of the other members of the
class. Showing respect to the others is, first of all, a form of
self-respect. You should also respect the fact that TTU is a secular
institution of higher education.
2. Reading-based quizzes
There will be, at different times during
the semester, a number of impromptu (unannounced) quizzes based on the class
readings. The quiz component of the grade is worth 25 % (of the final grade).
In all, there will be 50 quiz questions, each question being worth 0.5 % of
your final grade. Students who miss a quiz will be allowed to repeat it only if
their absence is excused (see above).
The quiz
questions are always about the materials you are supposed to read for the
class. Please note that they have different
degrees of difficulty: some of these questions are quite easy to answer,
while others are harder. The rationale is that if you want to get the highest
grade, you should be prepared to answer all (or most of) the questions, the
easier ones as well as the more difficult ones. You can do so only if you do
the readings very carefully. In the interest of fairness, the final grades have
to reflect the different amounts of effort each student has put into this
class.
More
importantly: since this class is an honors
seminar – therefore, writing and reading intensive – you have to pay closer
attention to the readings, and be prepared to spend more on them. They are
theoretical (sometimes dense) texts. Read them more than once if necessary,
take notes and underline what you think it is important or what you don't
understand. Look up those terms/concepts that you are unfamiliar with, or
simply ask the instructor what they mean; compile e a list and bring it to
class, and we will discuss it item by item. These texts are important and you
can learn something (important) from them. Just give them the attention they
deserve and your efforts will be rewarded.
3-4. Research project:
Since this is
an honors class, it is research-oriented
and writing intensive. Therefore, the
bulk of the final grade (see below “Grading policy”) will be determined by the
quality of the research project. This piece is the culmination of students’
work during the whole semester. It must be on a course-related topic, designed
by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must think of a
good topic for their research project and discuss it with the instructor (stop
by during office hours or just make an appointment). The research paper must be
conceived of, structured, developed and written in such a way as to meet the
standards of academic excellence in the humanities, and following the guidelines
for submission of written work listed below. The three stages for the
production of this research paper are: a) Submission of a research topic (title
and/or one sentence), b) Submission of the first draft (about 4 pages), and c)
Submission of the final draft (about 9 pages), at the end of the semester. (For
deadlines, please see “Schedule of Events” below.)
Note on the first draft: Since your first draft will be graded, what is
expected from you is essentially a shorter version of the final draft. This way
your work can be judged using the “grading criteria for written work” stated in
the syllabus (see below).
Therefore, you should not submit (as your first draft) just a “work plan,” a
sketch, or a list of points you are going to touch on in the final draft. What
you submit as your first draft should look like a “finished paper” in terms of
argumentation, structure, citing sources, rhetoric, etc. Given the length of
the first draft, you may have to touch on only briefly some of the points. In
this case, you may wish to insert parenthetical mentions stating that you will
further explore those points in the final draft.
Individual
conferences
Students are
strongly encouraged to discuss with the instructor about any aspects of their
work for this class, and in particular about their research project. All
students taking this course are encouraged to make appointments with the
instructor in order to discuss issues related to the course. The instructor may
ask you to come in at other times for discussing particular issues. Please feel
free to email the instructor whenever you need to discuss with him aspects of
your work.
As the
semester progresses each of you must think of a topic for your research
project. The topic for this final essay is designed by you, but must be
course-related, and discussed with the instructor (on the occasion of a
conferences or just make an appointment!).
Guidelines
for Submission of Written Work:
·
MLA Citation Style (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/
)
·
Word-process all written work; handwritten papers
will not be accepted;
·
Use standard font, in 12 point; double-spaced.
·
Number your pages;
·
Staple your pages together;
·
At the top of the first page include your name,
date, and essay title;
·
Proofread and spell-check before bringing any papers
to class.
Grading
Policy:
·
5% Regular attendance of seminar
meetings.
·
20% Active
participation in classroom discussions
·
25% Reading-based
quizzes (50 questions, 0.5% for each
question)
·
20% First
draft of the research paper
·
30% Final
draft of the research paper
Grading
System:
·
A+ (98-100); A
(94-97); A- (90-93)
·
B+ (88-89); B
(84-87); B- (80-83)
·
C+ (78-79); C
(74-77); C- (70-73)
·
D+ (68-69); D
(64-67); D- (60-63)
·
F (0-59)
What
the grades (for written work) mean
·
A (90-100).
o
highest quality in terms of argumentation,
supporting evidence, consistency, clarity, logical organization of the material
o
mastery of the basic concepts of the course and deep
understanding of the material covered
o
extensive research (much beyond the required
readings) and sophisticated use of primary and secondary sources
o
an excellent sense of structure, stylistic coherence
and unity
o
original and persuasive thinking/points of view
o
rhetorical sophistication
o
work meets current standards of academic writing in
the humanities
o
no (or only accidental ) mechanical errors
·
B (80-89)
o
Very good quality in terms of argumentation,
supporting evidence, consistency, clarity, logical organization of the material
o
mastery of the basic concepts of the course and good
understanding of the material covered
o
extensive research (beyond the required readings)
and balanced use of primary and secondary sources
o
a good sense of structure, stylistic coherence and
unity, despite occasional inconsistencies
o
persuasive thinking/points of view
o
rhetorical fluency
o
work generally meets current standards of academic
writing in the humanities
o
some mechanical errors
·
C (70-79)
o
Satisfactory quality in terms of argumentation, supporting
evidence, consistency, clarity, logical organization of the material
o
Satisfactory understanding of the basic concepts of
the course and of the material covered
o
some research and use of primary and secondary
sources
o
some sense of structure and stylistic coherence,
despite flaws
o
some rhetorical weakness
o
poor compliance with the standards of academic
writing in the humanities
o
frequent mechanical errors
·
D (60-69)
o
Some quality in terms of argumentation, supporting
evidence, consistency, clarity, logical organization of the material, but
undermined by gaps in knowledge and errors of fact
o
Some familiarity with the material covered, but not
enough for engaging with it in a coherent/meaningful way
o
Poor research and inadequate use of primary and
secondary sources
o
Poor sense of structure, lack of stylistic coherence
and unity
o
current standards of academic writing in the
humanities not met
o
many mechanical errors
·
F (0-59)
o
Missing work
o
Work incomplete (or off the topic) in a serious way
o
Serious deficiencies in argumentation, supporting
evidence, and logical organization
o
No relevant research
o
No sense of structure and lack of coherence
o
No observance of the standards of academic writing
University
Policies and Regulations:
The instructor of this course respects and upholds
University policies and regulations pertaining to the observation of religious
holidays; assistance available to the physically handicapped, visually and/or
hearing impaired student; plagiarism; sexual harassment; and racial or ethnic
discrimination. All students are advised to become familiar with the respective
University regulations and are encouraged to bring any questions or concerns to
the attention of the instructor.
Absences for
religious holidays:
A
student who is absent from classes for the observation of a religious holy day
shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for
that day within a reasonable time after the absence if, not later than the
fifteenth day after the first day of the semester, the student had notified the
instructor of each scheduled class that the student would be absent for a
religious holy day.
Students
with Disabilities:
Any
student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order
to meet the
course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make
any necessary
arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from
Student Disability
Services during the instructor’s office hours. Please note instructors are
not allowed to provide
classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from
Student Disability
Services has been provided. For additional information, you may contact the
Student Disability
Services office at 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.
Academic
Integrity:
Plagiarism, or academic theft, is passing off
someone else’s work as your own. Please note: plagiarism simply means using someone else’s ideas without
acknowledging it (no matter if you use that person’s actual words or not).
Regardless of your background, you are responsible for not plagiarizing.
Plagiarism will be prosecuted; it can affect your permanent record. Being a
plagiarizer is incomparably worse than being unoriginal! For more about
plagiarism (and academic dishonesty in general), please read the document
“Texas Tech University Statement of Academic Integrity”: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentjudicialprograms/academicinteg.php
Please
note that plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class under any
circumstances! The penalty for plagiarism ranges, depending on the gravity
of the case, from a grade of F (0 %) for the paper in question (without
the possibility of resubmitting it) to F as final grade for the class.
Theme I: God
Week
1 (13 Jan): A Playing God
Week
2 (20 Jan): The quest for God
http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/texts/pascal/pensees-contents.html
Week
3 (27 Jan): “God is dead”
Deadline
this day (23 Jan)!
Submit the
topic of your research paper.
Theme II: Reality
Week
4 (3 Feb): What’s behind?
·
Film: Film: Truman Show (Dir. Peter Weir)
·
Text: Plato, Republic
Week
5 (10 Feb): The world as an onion:
·
Film: Rashomon (Dir. Akira Kurosawa)
·
Text: Richard Rorty, Contingency, Irony, Solidarity
Week
6 (17 Feb): Breaking the veil of
appearances
·
Film: Matrix (Dir. Wachowski Brothers)
·
Text: George Berkeley, Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous
Week
7 (24 Feb): Social Reality:
·
Film: City of
·
Text:
Theme III: Individual
Week
8 (3 March): Where are we going?
·
Film: Blind Chance (Dir. Kieslowski)
·
Text: Czeslaw Milosz, The Captive Mind
Deadline
this day!
Submit
the first draft of your research paper.
Week
9 (10 March): The Mystery of Existence
·
Film: The Double Life of Veronique (Dir. Kieslowski)
·
Text: Martin Buber, I and Thou
Week
11 (17 March): No classes (Spring Break)
Week
10 (24 March): Meaning(lessness) of life
·
Film: The Barbarian Invasions (Dir: Denys Arcand)
·
Text: Lev Tolstoy, The Death of Ivan Ilyich
Week
12 (31 March): Who are we?
·
Film: The Experiment (Dir. Oliver Hirschbiegel)
·
Text: Arthur Koestler, Darkness at Noon
Theme IV: Society & History
Week
13 (7 April): Revolution & Tyranny:
·
Film: Burnt by the Sun (Dir. Mikhalkov)
·
Text: Arthur Koestler, Darkness at Noon
Week
14 (14 April): The unspeakable:
·
Film: Hotel Rwanda (Dir. Terry George)
·
Text: Karl Jaspers, The Question of the German Guilt
Week
15 (21 April): Hope & Survival:
·
Film: Life is Beautiful (Dir. Roberto Benigni)
·
Text: Alexander Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch
Week
16 (28 April): Big Brother:
·
Film: Repentance (Dir. Tengiz Abuladze)
·
Text: Nicolo Machiavelli, The Prince
Deadline
this day (28 April)!
Submission
of research paper (final version).
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// References // Miscellanea // Links
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