1. Nausea–Read and annotate through p. 18. This novel is quite challenging to wrap your head around and simply cannot be understood without understanding these concepts (among others). So, here’s to a great intellectual challenge!!! Keep the following in mind while annotating:
“The strangest thing is that I am not at all inclined to call myself insane, I clearly see that I am not: all these changes concern objects. At least, that is what I’d like to be sure of.” (2)
“Something has happened to me, I can’t doubt it any more.” (4)
Also keep in mind that this novel chronicles Roquentin’s existential illness and his road to understanding and “recovery.”
2. The Stranger–I am collecting your copies on Monday to grade annotations. Be sure to have your copy in class.
3. EXTRA CREDIT! This is a creative VISUAL extra credit assignment. This image or series of images should tell a story (a story that is connected to one of the themes below). Each image should include a pithy existential narrative no more than 50 words in length (preferably closer to 30). If you think of all that we have read and discussed thus far and consider the scope of your theme, you can really get funky with this assignment! Your visual must capture the essence of your theme! The color of absence of color in the image is completely up to you. All creative decisions are yours! Just capture one of the existential themes below! Although not necessary, feel free to connect your visual to a text read thus far in the term if you would like. The final submission will be scored based upon creative ingenuity and thematic relevance! Here you will see a sampling of past creative visuals submitted for this course. DUE NOVEMBER 14!
The Individual in industrialized society
Faith and Existentialism (Anguish and Fear)
Atheistic Existentialism (Nothingness, despair, and suffering)
Authenticity and Bad Faith
Alienation and Absurdity
Personal Freedom (Individual Subjectivity)
Death and existence
