Archives for March 23, 2015

HW10 due 3/24: Siddhartha and Mandala

March 23, 2015 By

1. Siddhartha–Read and annotate Samsara.
2. Be sure you are familiar with the Siddhartha glossary.
3. (Due 3/30)The Final Mandala will be worth 100 points and count as a project/essay grade. As we grade the final Mandalas, we will keep the following in mind (so too should you):

  • Your base structure of your mandala should be a series of geometric shapes. The primary, and largest, shape must be a geometric shape.  Within there must be an arrangement of smaller geometric shapes.
  • All geometric shapes must be PRECISE. The craftsmanship in general should be precise.
  • The Mandala should use colors meaningfully. Meaning, you should be able to explain why you chose the colors you chose.
  • All visuals beyond the base structure should be purposeful and powerful. Meaning, there should be a rationale for everything present in your Mandala and that rationale should be of great significance to you. Further, the images should be aesthetically pleasing in presentation.
  • The Mandala should reflect great creative effort!
  • The Mandala should reflect great overall effort!
  • The Mandala should reflect you!

4. Essay Assessment–We will continue our essay evaluation tomorrow. Remember, I am not looking for broad, sweeping statements about the essay. I want us to demonstrate nuanced control of the essay and in doing so we are able to very clearly and specifically illustrate our thoughts on the essay.

HW12C due 3/27: Nietzsche

March 23, 2015 By

Remember, the ultimate goal of this course is to create a thematic tapestry reflecting the human condition of the Western world since the Industrial Revolution.  Keep that in mind as we read the fiction of the course and consider how the fiction may reflect the philosophical principles explored throughout the course.  Ultimately, your PBA amounts to a literary analysis through an existential/psychoanalytical lens.  It is imperative that you have a keen understanding of both the literature and the philosophy to create a happy marriage at the end (your PBA).  So, consider how the philosophy of  the course may work (often in concert) to shape our literary conclusions.

1. The Stranger Essay (UPDATED DEADLINES) Be prepared to work on your first draft in class tomorrow!

First Draft due THURSDAY, MARCH 26th
Final Draft due MONDAY, MARCH 30th
3 page literary/philosophical analysis of The Stranger. You are expected to use The Myth of Sisyphus as a complement to your analysis of The Stranger.  Consider: How does Camus use Meursault and his struggle to illustrate his commentary on the human condition/absurdity? While this is an essay focused on The Stranger, you are expected to use The Myth of Sisyphus to help shape your argument. So, consider: How does Sisyphus help us to understand Camus’ philosophy as communicated through Meursault?  IMPORTANT: While Sisyphus is used to give some form to the discussion (i.e. helping to shape the thesis), the discussion is focused on exploring Camus’ message and how he develops that message. While not necessary, I would encourage you to research Camus further to give you further context.  Folks, I expect this essay to demonstrate great thematic/philosophical control of  both texts.  Waiting till the night before is probably not a good idea.  Your reading responses and annotations should prove to be quite beneficial here.  This should be typed in font size 12 (times new roman  or arial).  You should have a title!!!  The title should reflect your thesis.  If you have any questions, please email me.

2.  Friedrich Nietzsche: (The Nietzsche reading is now due Friday!) Print, read and annotate the following sections: Middle, Later, and Final Writings.  Again, this printout should be placed in your binder…
3. Thus Spoke Zarathustra–(Also due Friday) Read and annotate this excerpt from Nietzsche’s Zarathustra. The reading is located in the packet. 

4. (Due Monday, March 30th) Carl Jung(Print, Read, and Annotate)–Hermann Hesse’s Steppenwolf is the manifestation of Jungian influence (as well as Nietzsche among other influences), so it is imperative that you be familiar with Carl Jung. In the reading focus on the following: collective unconscious, anima/animus, mother archetype, shadow, complex, ego, self, persona. As we read Steppenwolf, you will be expected to make connections to Carl Jung.
3. Steppenwolf–If you are interested in purchasing your own copy of Steppenwolf, here is a link to the version used in class. 

Word to the wise: Stay on top of the reading so as not to fall behind… If you fall behind here, recovery becomes a near impossibility.