1. Read and annotate Dog by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Archives for May 2017
Due 5/8: Steppenwolf
May 5, 2017 By
1. Steppenwolf–Read the preface! (up to page 22) Annotate as or after you read.
Keep in mind: Carl Jung–Hermann Hesse’s Steppenwolf is the manifestation of Jungian influence (among other things), so it is imperative that you be familiar with Carl Jung. Research Carl Jung focusing on (but not limiting yourself to) the following: collective unconscious, anima/animus, mother archetype, shadow, complex, ego, self, persona. Additionally, research Carl Jung’s influence on Hermann Hesse. You must take notes in your binder (2 pages). As we read Steppenwolf, you will be expected to make connections to Carl Jung. Here is a good starting point. Let me stress, developing control of Jung is not optional; you are expected to develop control and demonstrate that control when discussing and writing about Steppenwolf.
Due 5/8: No Exit
May 5, 2017 By
Throughout the week, we will continue breaking down Existentialism is a Humanism.
Monday: Continued discussion of the defense against the first reproach and addressing the second reproach.
Tuesday: Third reproach
Wednesday: Fourth reproach
1. No Exit–Read through page 18 (stop when Inez starts singing). Extract everything from everything. Keep Sartre’s essay in mind. Additionally, we want to try and make sense of the author’s message. And perhaps more importantly, how does Sartre communicate that message? Remember, Sartre literally articulates the play’s primary themes at the end; so, let’s try and discern those themes before the end. To that end:
2. Class Forum–As always, bring a printed copy of your response into class.
Due 5/3: Allen Ginsberg
May 3, 2017 By
1. Reading–A Supermarket in California by Allen Ginsberg
2. Writing–Free write!
Due 5/3: Existentialism is a Humanism
May 2, 2017 By
1. (Due May 3) Existentialism is a Humanism–This reading sets us up for the last three texts of the year. Let it be known that this essay is conceptually/philosophically difficult. Do not wait until the night before to read it. Break it into bits and pieces. Jean Paul Sartre is often the first name to come to mind when one considers Existentialism. His brand of atheistic existentialism so dominates the existential landscape that one forgets that the “first existentialist” Kierkegaard was indeed a theist. Nevertheless, Sartre’s essay most clearly defines the existential mindset. It becomes a fundamental piece of the year’s final unit. Additionally, his essay establishes some of the tenets of existentialism that are universally applicable. In a nutshell Sartre defends his philosophy against the four primary critiques of existentialism.