Introductory description

PH107 - Problems in Philosophy and Literature

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Sample topics and texts
Philosophy and Literature: basic ideas and questions
Emotion and reason (core reading J. M. Coetzee, The Lives of Animals)
Aesthetics and critique of enlightenment (core reading Jun’ichirō Tanizaki, In’ei raisan / In Praise of Shadows)
Belief and unbelief (core reading Flannery O'Connor, short stories)
Education, religion. and power (core reading Muriel Spark, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie)
Ethics and aesthetics (core reading Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye)
Poetic language (core reading William Wordsworth, 'The Brothers' and Martin Heidegger, '. . . Poetically Man Dwells . . .')

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand how central themes are addressed in the core texts, and understand how philosophical and literary concerns combine in addressing these themes;
• Articulate their own views on how to interpret and evaluate the achievements of the core texts, showing ability to support claims with textual detail, enter into debate and respond constructively to other points of view;
• Critically analyse and evaluate philosophical and interpretive arguments on central issues in philosophy and literature;
• Recognize the distinctive contributions made by texts that have combined philosophical and literary significance.

Indicative reading list

(included in syllabus above)

Interdisciplinary

Co-taught across two departments.

International

Core texts can be drawn from non-UK and non-European traditions (e.g., works by Japanese, Argentinian and North American writers have been core texts on the module).

Subject specific skills

• Understanding how to bring the disciplines of philosophy and literature together, linking philosophical concepts and arguments to literary works and considering the relevance of literary forms to philosophical expression and inquiry
• Ability to critically discuss literary and philosophical texts
• Ability to support claims with textual detail, enter into debate and respond constructively to other points of view

Transferable skills

• Close reading, analysis and interpretation of complex texts
• Ability to explain and support one's own claims
• Communication, both oral and written