ENGL 4447 / PHIL 4950 ~ Existentialism in Philosophy and Literature ~ Fall 2006

Instructors: Dr. Mary Magoulick, English                                Dr. Jim Winchester, Philosophy
Office: A&S 3-21                                                                     110 Humber White House
Email: mary.magoulick@gcsu.edu                                        james.winchester@gcsu.edu
Hours: TR 8-9 am; M 1-2 pm, R 12:30 -1:45                     MW 10-10:50 in my office
Office Phone: 445-3177                                                      MW 1-2 in the Library Café & Th 9:30-http://hercules.gcsu.edu/~mmagouli                                       11:30 in my office         445-2178

Texts (available at the bookstore; also some Xeroxed readings will be on reserve in the library)

Abe, Kobo. The Woman in the Dunes. New York: Vintage International, 1991.

Camus, Albert. The Stranger. New York: Vintage, 1989 (orig. publ 1946).

De Beauvoir, Simone. Ethics of Ambiguity. Citadel Press, 2000.

Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Notes from Underground. New York: Vintage Classics, 1994.

Hale, Janet Campbell. The Jailing of Cecelia Capture. Albuquerque: Univ of New Mexico Press, 1986.

Kafka, Franz. The Trial. New York: Schocken Books, 1998.

Kierkegaard, Søren. Fear and Trembling / Repetition. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1983.

Nietzsche, Friedrich. Twilight of the Idols. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1997.

Sartre, Jean-Paul. Literature and Existentialism. Citadel Press, 1994. & No Exit (play – at library)

Course Description

We will consider various classic and contemporary works of modern literature, especially those considered existential. Existentialism is a branch of philosophy that ponders the meaning of existence, especially in terms of the subjectivity and finiteness of the human experience, and how we are all restricted to our own situation. This is in opposition to rationalism, which assumes the world and our experiences all logically fit together and that the thinker’s perspective may be infinite (which existentialists find presumptuous). A key observation of existentialism is the actuality of existence, that the infinite human spirit is lodged in finite flesh, lending an ironic paradox to existence. We will look for themes dealing with this inherent paradox or contradiction of existence in all our readings. This course will involve lectures and discussions of the works students will read outside the classroom as homework. The professors will offer background and contextual information for each of the works to be considered and will lead students in careful textual analysis of the novels we read. Students will write short critical responses to selected readings, a final, in-depth, analytical, researched essay, and will be responsible for in-class writing assignments (possibly quizzes), and a short presentation on one or more of the readings.

Course Objectives As a result of this course, the students will be able to do the following:

* Understand and articulate the major concepts, patterns, and precepts of the branch of philosophy known as existentialism

* Distinguish the ideologies, periods, and aesthetics of various examples of existential literature;

* Evaluate the literary significance of certain representative writers of existential literature, as well as certain influential texts;

* Be familiar with major theoretical strands in philosophy and literary criticism related to existentialism;

* Begin to show awareness of existential literature in its biographical, historical, artistic, and intellectual contexts.

* Articulate a written critical argument that requires analytical close reading of modern fiction.

Requirements

T Three critical responses to assigned readings (5 pages each). You do not have to do any research or additional reading but should write detailed analysis of one particular passage, theme, concept or issue from one or more of our readings in which you demonstrate detailed analysis. Questions and topics for you to write on will be distributed in class a week before the due date for these.

T An in-depth, final, researched analytical essay (10-12 pages) in which you explore one or more works of existential literature and philosophy, either according to a theoretical or contextual framework from class, or an equivalent one you research on your own. You must discuss your topic with at least one of the professors before beginning work on the assignment. Part of the grade for this assignment will be based on mandatory completion of a written proposal and annotated bibliography of your sources. (More details below)

T A presentation in which you respond in class (from prepared notes) to an assigned readings. This will require you to lead the discussion for no more than 10 minutes of class time. Everyone will give one classroom presentation–either individually or with another person. The presentation should be short (about 7 minutes). On the day that you give your presentation you must turn in during class time a three-page paper that summarizes your points and the questions you raise.

T Questions you bring to class, quizzes, and in-class written responses to the readings – all count toward your participation grade – absence means a zero on such assignments.

T Regular, active attendance. Be prepared to ask and answer questions, and to raise and discuss issues of significance to this class (note that you will sometimes be assigned to bring a written question).

T Timely completion of all assignments. Readings are to be completed before the lecture on the day on which they are to be discussed.

Grading

Critical Responses: 30% Participation (quizzes, etc.): 20%

Presentation (on reading) 10%

Final Essay: 20% First Draft 10% Proposal 10%

Grades on individual assignments will be based on effort and thoughtfulness as well as correctness of logic and development of ideas. Critical responses should use the text as a guide in analysis. Prior to mid-semester, you will receive feedback on your academic performance in this course.

Contact

E-mail us if you have any questions or concerns about the class, readings, or assignments. It is your responsibility as a student to keep up with work and any changes in the syllabus (even for classes you may miss). Late work will not be accepted and make-up tests will not be possible. Attendance in this class is mandatory. Respectful participation is expected. This syllabus is a guide and is subject to revision. It is your responsibility as a student to note and adhere to any changes.

Participation

This course will be a seminar – that is a discussion where everyone is encouraged to participate. Participation counts toward your final grade. Active, respectful participation means listening to others’ opinions, presentations, and ideas even if an initial reaction is to disagree. Responses should be thoughtful, respectful, and based on readings or class information. Critical thinking (the basis of all college education and higher reasoning) requires you to attend to various sides of issues. You should learn to evaluate, compare, and judge information based on reason and logic rather than emotion. Active participation involves listening attentively and respectfully as much as it involves speaking. Aggressive or rude behavior will not be tolerated and will result in lower participation points.

Attendance Policy

Since one of the most important goals of this seminar is to interpret these texts together, attendance is mandatory. More than two absences will result in the assignment of extra work and/or the down grading of a student's final grade. If you must be absent and have a documented excuse (legitimate excuses include documented medical problems, documented extreme family emergency, or a documented official school activity), be sure to inform us of your absence and show us your documentation. You must always keep track of (and still turn in on time) any work or assignments you miss. More than two absences (including excused absences) in one semester are not allowed except in extreme situations (which must be discussed with us promptly).

Academic Honesty

Cheating and plagiarism are unethical and unacceptable (and a waste of your tuition). Doing your own work helps you learn and makes the most of your experience here. Any time that a student quotes more than five words from someone else without quotations and proper footnoting, this constitutes plagiarism. Proven cases of plagiarism will result in a grade of "F," which cannot be made up. On your written assignments we are asking for a close reading of the text. This does not mean that you are simply to copy the text. Again, if you copy more than five words from the text without using quotation marks and without footnoting your source you are guilty of plagiarism. Egregious cases of plagiarism will result in the failure of the course and/or reporting of the offense to the college.

Incompletes

The grade of incomplete will be given only in special circumstances such as illness, accident, or death in the family.

Special Notice to Students in Milledgeville

In the event of a fire alarm signal students should exit the building in a quick and orderly manner through the nearest hallway exit. First and Second floor classes should exit through ground level exits; Third floor classes through the nearest stairwell to a ground level exit. Do not use an elevator. Third floor stairwells are areas where disabled people may communicate with rescue workers. Be familiar with the floor plan and exits of this building. (Source: GC&SU Coordinator of Environmental Health and Occupational Safety)

Requests for Modifications

Any student requiring instructional modifications due to a documented disability should make an appointment to meet with the instructor as soon as possible. An official letter from GC&SU documenting the disability will be expected in order to receive accommodations. (Source: GC&SU Special Education Coordinator).

Calendar of Classes / Readings

Readings should be completed before the beginning of class on the date assigned.

Written assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date assigned.

Week 1

Wed. 8-16 Introduction to Class, syllabus distributed, first lecture on existentialism

Week 2 What is existentialism?

Mon. 8-21 Read: Essay by Sartre, “Existentialism is a Humanism” – may be found online (free) at http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/sartre/works/exist/sartre.htm

Wed. 8-23 Begin Kierkegaard, Fear and Trembling (1843), Read pp. ix-xxxix & 1-23

Week 3

Mon. 8-28 Read and discuss Kierkegaard (cont.) Read pp. 27-81

Wed. 8-30 Kierkegaard (cont.) Read pp. 82-123

Week 4

Mon. 9-4 No class – Labor Day Holiday

Wed. 9-6 Read and discuss Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground (1864) – Read whole text

Week 5

Mon. 9-11 Read and discuss Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols (1888), Rd pp. _____ 1^stCrit RespDUE

Wed. 9-13 Nietzsche (cont), Read pp. _____ – st presenter____________

Week 6

Mon 9-18 Read and discuss Kafka, The Trial (1925/1914) Read pp. 1-73

Wed. 9-22 Read and discuss Kafka, The Trial (1925/1914) Read pp. 74-112 – st presenter____________

Week 7

Mon. 9-25 Read and discuss Kafka, The Trial (1925/1914) Read pp. 113-196 – st presenter____________

Wed. 9-27 Conclude Kafka, Read pp. 197-229 & begin Film

Weeks 8

Mon. 10-2 Film (cont.) & discussion ESSAY PROPOSALS DUE (appts. for conf. before this time)

Wed. 10-6 Read and discuss Sartre, No Exit (1946) (copy on reserve) – st presenter_____________

Week 9

Mon. 10-9 Read and discuss Sartre essay from book, Read: pages TBA______ st presenter___________

Wed. 10-11 Read and discuss Sartre essay, Read: pages TBA______ 2^nd Critical Response DUE

Week 10

Mon. 10-16 Read and discuss de Beauvoir, Read: pages TBA ______ st presenter_____________

Wed. 10-18 Read and discuss de Beauvoir, Read: pages TBA ______

Week 11

Mon. 10-23 Film (on de Beauvoir & Sartre) & discussion

Wed. 10-25 Read and discuss Abe, Woman in the Dunes (1964) Read pp. 1-71 – st presenter____________

Week 12

Mon. 10-30 Read and discuss Abe, The Woman in the Dunes Rd pp. 75-155 – st presenter______________

Wed. 11-1 Read and discuss Abe, The Woman in the Dunes. Rd. pp. 156-208 st presenter______________

Week 13

Mon. 11-6 Conclude Abe – Read pp. 211-241 & begin Film

Wed. 11-8 Film (cont.) & discussion 1^st Draft of Paper DUE

Week 14

Mon. 11-13 Read and Discuss Camus, The Stranger (1946) Read pp. 1-60 st. presenter _______________

Wed. 11-15 Read and discuss Camus, The Stranger. Read pp. 61-100 st. presenter _______________

Week 15

Mon. 11-20 Read and discuss Camus, The Stranger. Read pp. 101-144 Final Draft DUE of Big Essay

Wed. 11-23 THANKSGIVING – NO CLASS

Week 16

Mon. 11-27 Read and discuss Hale, The Jailing of Cecelia Capture (1985) Read pp. 1-85

Wed. 11-29 Read and discuss Hale, The Jailing of Cecelia Capture Rd pp. 86-127 st presenter___________

Week 17

Mon. 12-4 Read and discuss Hale, The Jailing of Cecelia Capture Rd pp. 127-201 st presenter___________

Final Critical Response DUE