Simplifying Study Abroad


Aix-en-Provence, France - Course Descriptions - Introduction to Philosophy

Course Information

Subject: Philosophy (PHIL)
Number: 301
Language of Instruction: English

Contact Hours and Credits

Semester Session: 45 contact hours, 3 semester credits, 4 quarter credits

Availability

The specific availability for this course is not currently known. If you would like to know if this course will be offered during your session, please contact us.

Full Description

Topics for an Introduction to Philosophy. This semester we will explore the notion of the Hero. Taking references as diverse as Achilles, Odysseus, Oedipus, Socrates, Saint- Exupéry, Buster Keaton, and Monsieur Hulot, we will attempt to formulate a philosophical understanding of the modes and functioning of the Hero. Starting with the pure physical exploits of the antique man of action, followed by a heroism sustained by craft and cunning, the spiritual tragedy of ultimate self-knowledge, and the sacrifice of the merely human for transcendent ends, we shall then discover a new kind of hero whose resistance to the banalities of the modern world appear in what could be called an anti-heroic light.
Philosophy 301 has a heavy reading agenda and is recommended for motivated students. No prerequisites though a familiarity of philosophical topics is advised.


Readings, active participation and attendance are essential
* Course readings are obligatory and will be checked randomly in class meetings.
* Active participation in the classroom is required to receive 50% credit toward the final grade. Writing Assignments : will count for 30% of the final grade.
* Attendance will be taken regularly. No more than 2 absences will be allowed without formal explanation.
* two short papers (3 to 5 pages each) one due at mid-term, the other towards the end of the term,
* There will be a three-hour final exam which counts as 20% of the final grade.

 Reading List

Books:

Iliad: Homer (selections)
Odyssey: Homer (selected essays on Homer)
Oedipus Res: Sophocles
Apology of Socrates: Plato
Symposium: Plato
The Little Prince: Saint-Exupéry

Films:

The General - Buster Keaton
The Cameraman- Buster Keaton
Mon Oncle-Jacques Tati
My Uncle-Jacques Tati

Download course description here in Acrobat PDF Format
Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to download this file

Introduction to Philosophy

Abroadco Study Abroad, 8912 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Suite F9-645, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA ยท info@abroadco.com