HON 3301-HH07: Philosophy of Place and Space

Spring 2008

M 6.00-8.50

Classroom: AD 245

Costica Bradatan

Office: McClellan 202= A

Office Hours: Wednesd= ay 1.00-4.00pm, Tuesday & Thursday 2.00-3.30pm (& by appointment)

Office Phone: (806) 742-0036 (ext 248)

Email: costica.bradatan@ttu.edu

http://www.webpages.ttu.edu/cbradata/

Course Descript= ion:

This interdisciplinary seminar proposes a closer look at how place and space are created/recreated (constructed/deconstructed, presented/represented) in philosophy, on the one hand, and in art cinema, on the other. Throughout the seminar meetings we w= ill explore a number of important topics such as dwelling, home, homelessness, hospitality, cosmopolitanism, dislocation, sacred space-profane space, familiar-foreign, global-local, etc. Against the theoretical background provided by major contemporary texts on place and space, we will be watchin= g, discussing and interpreting films such as Distant, Babel, Le Grand Voyage<= /span>, The House of Sand, Before the Rain<= /i>, Underground, The Double Life of Veroni= que, The Battle of Algiers, etc.

By combining close reading of philosophical texts with visual studies, existential hermeneutics and film analysis, this course aims at detecting philosophical problems in the sphere of everyday life, as well as tracing t= he ways in which various experiences of space and place come to be incorporated into the production of philosophical texts and art cinema.

Course Learning Objectives:

HONS 3= 301-H07 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 cultu= res, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literat= ure 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.” (TTU Catalogue)

Specifically, upon successful completion of this course students should:

Have become aware of the complexity = of the human condition (in particular, its relation to place and space) a= nd the many ways in which artists, philosophers and thinkers portray, ref= lect on, and discourse about it (the course expands “the student’s knowledge of the human condition and human cultures”)<= /span>

Have realized the dialectical relationship between the sphere = of the everyday life (in particular, the experience of place and space), = on the one hand, and the ways in which this sphere is reflected in works = of art and thought, on the other hand (the course meditates on “behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought”)

Be able to engage sympathetically as well as critically with an work of art or thought (the course practice= s “critical analysis and develop[s] an appreci= ation of the humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society”)

Be able to detect specific philosoph= ical content in art films and in the sphere of everyday life

Have realized the complex relationsh= ip between philosophy, film, and the sphere of everyday life

Disclaimer: An essential component of this seminar is watching, discussing about, and interpreting a series art films that help us better grasp the concepts, not= ions and ideas covered in class. Some of these films might display content (nudi= ty, language, violence, etc.) that some of you might find provocative or inappropriate. =

R= equired Texts:

·      =    Casey, Edward. <= /a> Getting Back into Place: Toward a Renew= ed Understanding of the Place-World, ISBN: 978-0253208378 *

·      =    Cresswell, = Tim. = Place: A Short Introduction, = ISBN: 978-1405106726 *

·      =    Eliade, M. = The Myth of the Eternal Return [fr= agments] **

·      =    Heidegger, Martin. Building Dwelling Thinking = **

·      =    Tuan, Yi-Fu. Space and Place: The Perspective of Experience, ISBN: 978-0816638772 *

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 bookstor= es or online, provided that the ISBNs are the ones given above. Materials marked with ** will be provided by the instructor.

Course Requirem= ents:

Regular attendance and active class participation

Five reading-based quizzes

First draft of the research project<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> (graded)
Final draft of the research project (graded)

1. Attendance and active class participation:

It is imperative that you attend every class. Pl= ease do not be late! Any unexcused absence will have an impact on your class participation/attendance grade (5% for each absence). After four (4) unexcu= sed 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.

2. Reading-based quizzes

There will be, at different times during the semester, four impromptu (unannounce= d) quizzes based on the class readings. Each quiz will consist of five questio= ns. Students who miss a quiz will be allowed to repeat it only if their absence= was excused (see above).

3-4. Research project:

The bulk of the final grade (see below “Grading policy”) will be determined by the quality of the rese= arch project. This piece is the culmination of students’ work during the w= hole 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 t= heir 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 productio= n 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) Submiss= ion of the final draft (about 9 pages), at the end of the semester. (For deadli= nes, please see “Schedule of Events” below.)

<= /span>

Individual conf= erences

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 encourage= d 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 ne= ed to discuss with him aspects of your work.

As the semester progresses each of you mu= st 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 instruc= tor (on the occasion of a conferences or just make an appointment!).

Guidelines for Submission of Written Work:

·  &n= bsp;      MLA Citation Style (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/ )

·  &n= bsp;      Word-process all written work; handwritten papers will not be accepte= d;

·  &n= bsp;      Use standard font, in 12 point; double-spaced.

·  &n= bsp;      Number your pages;

·  &n= bsp;      Staple your pages together;

·  &n= bsp;      At the top of the first page include your name, date, and essay title= ;

·  &n= bsp;      Proofread and spell-check before bringing any papers to class.

Grading Policy<= /span>:

·  &n= bsp;      10%     &nbs= p;     Regular attendance of seminar meetings.

·  &n= bsp;      15%     &nbs= p;     Active participation in classroom discussions

·  &n= bsp;      25%     &nbs= p;     Reading-based quizzes (5% each)

·  &n= bsp;      20%     &nbs= p;     First draft of the research paper <= o:p>

·  &n= bsp;      30%     &nbs= p;     Final draft of the research paper

Grading System<= /span>:

·  &n= bsp;      A+ (98-100); A (9= 4-97); A- (90-93)

·  &n= bsp;      B+ (88-89); B (84= -87); B- (80-83)

·  &n= bsp;      C+ (78-79); C (74= -77); C- (70-73)

·  &n= bsp;      D+ (68-69); D (64= -67); D- (60-63)

·  &n= bsp;      F (0-59)

What the grades= (for written work) mean

·  &n= bsp;      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 sophistica= ted use of primary and secondary sources

o      = an excellent sense of structure, stylistic coherence and unity <= /o:p>

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

·  &n= bsp;      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

·  &n= bsp;      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 humanit= ies

o      = frequent mechanical errors

·  &n= bsp;      D= (60-69)

o      = Some quality in terms of argumentation, supporting evidence, consiste= ncy, 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 engagi= ng 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:p>

o      = current standards of academic writing in the humanities not met<= /o:p>

o      = many mechanical errors

·  &n= bsp;      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 logic= al organization

o      = No relevant research

o      = No sense of structure and lack of coherence

o      = No observance of the standards of academic writing<= /p>

University Poli= cies 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 abse= nt from classes for the observation of a religious holy day shall be allowed to tak= e 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 e= ach scheduled class that the student would be absent for a religious holy day.<= o:p>

Students with Disabilities:

Any student who, beca= use of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the
course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to ma= ke 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 Integr= ity:

Plagiarism, or academic theft, is passing off someone else’s work as your own. Pl= ease note: plagiarism simply means using someone else’s ideas without acknowledging it (no matter if you u= se 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 “Academic Integrity at Texas Tech”: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentjudicialprograms/AcademicInt= egrity.htm

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.

Schedule of Events

Week 1 (14 Jan): Space, place and spatial metaphors=

·         Film: Underground (Dir. Emir Kusturica)

Week 2 (21 Jan): MLK Day (no classe= s)

Week 3 (28 Jan): Dwelling

Film: The House of Sand = (Dir: Andrucha Waddington)

Text: Heidegger = & Cresswell, pp. 1-51

Week 4 (4 Feb): Sacred places<= /o:p>

·  &n= bsp;      Film: Le Grand Voyage<= /span> (Dir. Ismael Ferroukhi= )

·         Text: Eliade, pp. 3-21 & Cresswell, pp. 53-7= 9

Deadline this d= ay (4 Jan)!

Submission of the topic for the research paper.

Week 5 (11 Feb): Sacred, profane, profanation

·         Film: Before the Rain (Dir. Milcho Manchevski)

·         Text: Tuan, pp. 149-160 & Casey, pp. 3-21<= /p>

Week 6 (18 Feb): Vital spaces ̵= 1; troubled places

·         Film: The Battle of <= st1:City w:st=3D"on">Algiers (Dir. Gillo Pontecorvo)

·         Text: Tuan, pp. 51-84

Week 7 (25 Feb): =

·         Film: Be= autiful people (Dir Jasmin Dizdar)

·         Text: Casey, pp. 22-39 & 71-97

Deadline this d= ay (25 Feb)!

Submission of first draft of the research paper.

Week 8 (3 March): Citoyen du monde I (Cosmopolitanism)

·         Film: The English Patient (Dir. Anthony Minghella)=

·         Text: Casey, pp. 273-314

Week 9 (10 March): Citoyen du monde II (Homelessness)

·         Film: Fratricide (Dir. Yilmaz Arslan)

·         Text: Casey, pp. 109-130 & Tuan, pp. 136-148=

Week 10 (17 March= ): No classes (Spring Break)

Week 11 (24 March= ): No classes

Week 12 (31 March= ): Urban places I

·         Film: Bicycle Thieves (Dir. Vittorio de Sica)<= /span>

·         Text: Cresswell, pp. 81-123

Week 13 (7 April): Urban places II

·         Film: Bei= jing Bicy= cle (Dir. Xiaoshuai Wang)

·         Text: Tuan, pp. 161-203

Week 14 (14 April= ): “In place” – “out of place”

·         Film: Distant (Dir. Nuri Bilge Ceylan)=

·         Text: Casey, pp. 43-70 & Tuan, pp. 101-117

Week 15 (21 April= ): “Being there”

·         Film: Double Life of Veronique (Dir. Kieslowski)

·         Text: Tuan, pp. 8-50

Week 16 (28 April= ): “Wild” places – “savage” places

·         Film: Babel (Dir. Alejandro González Iñárrit= u)

·         Text: Casey, pp. 185-226.

Deadline this d= ay (28 April)!

Submission of research paper (final versi= on).

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