Introductory description

Philosophy and literature are alike in being practices in which language is used as a central medium for reflecting on fundamental questions about reality. While their concerns thus overlap, these practices also seem to differ in their priorities, achievements and methods. This module combines two ways of studying these practicies: (1) the philosophy of literature, looking at how philosophers understand key elements of literature, such as fiction, narrative, ethical and emotional engagement; and (2) study of works that combine philosophical and literary projects. Think for instance of Plato's dialogues and Nietzsche's epigrams. Putting these kinds of study together will allow us to think about the deeper relations between philosophy and literature. Do these ways of pursuing fundamental questions complement or conflict with each other? How do their respective methods and achievements illuminate our needs for experience and understanding? We wil read some classic and contemporary research in philosophy of literature, as well as some short literary and literary-philosophical works. The topics will vary, to allow focus on texts and questions relevant to lecturers' research expertise and interests; substantive issues that could be addressed include conceptions of truth and knowledge, the value of empathy, the nature of fictional characters, and relations between narrative and self.

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.

After an introduction to the goals of the module, with reference to historically influential sources, the module will focus on a series of topics, devoting 1-2 weeks to each topic. The topics will address both methodological and substantive issues relevant to philosophy and literature. Each unit will include study of one or two literary-philosophical texts that engage with the issues. Possible topics include: The nature of fiction, Narrative and self, Imagination and thought experiment, Epistemic values, Dialogue and argument, Emotion and fiction, Authors and authority, Ethical value of literature, Representation and reality.

Learning outcomes

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

• Key Skills: use written communication to analyse and respond critically to main issues; use research skills, drawing on print and electronic resources, to initiate and de-limit a scholarly project; take responsibility for learning, showing ability to manage time and prepare for class meetings and assignments
• Subject knowledge and understanding: develop and communicate knowledge of exemplars that combine philosophical and literary projects; consolidate complex understanding of methodological and substantive questions raised by key texts and theories
• Cognitive Skills: ability to distinguish relevant features of texts and to consider underlying questions raised by them; ability to apply abstract concepts; ability to seek and use forms of evidence relevant to theoretical questions; ability to develop an argument that addresses a key question in a focused way
• Subject-Specific Skills/Professional Skills: ability to carry out close reading of texts of different kinds, showing sensitivity to forms of language and discourse; ability to consider connections and contrasts between literary and philosophical methods and goals; competence in consistent, scholarly citation of research sources
• Key skills: ability to make constructive contributions to seminar discussion that evidence preparation; communicate clearly and to provide reasons for views expressed; interact respectfully with peers in whole and small group discussion.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

Essay assignment, requiring research

Interdisciplinary

Incorporates study of philosophy and literature

International

Source texts will be drawn from international literary and philosophical traditions (working in translation with texts written in languages other than English).

Subject specific skills

Subject-Specific Skills/Professional Skills: ability to carry out close reading of texts of different kinds, showing sensitivity to forms of language and discourse; ability to consider connections and contrasts between literary and philosophical methods and goals; competence in consistent, scholarly citation of research sources

Transferable skills

Key Skills: use written communication skills to analyse and respond critically to main issues; use research skills, drawing on print and electronic resources, to initiate and de-limit a scholarly project; take responsibility for learning, showing ability to manage time and prepare for class meetings and assignments
Cognitive Skills: ability to distinguish relevant features of texts and to consider underlying questions raised by those features; ability to work with abstract concepts and show understanding of forms of evidence relevant to theoretical questions; ability to develop a focused argument that addresses a question