Due 10/17: The Stranger

October 13, 2016 By

1. The Stranger–Read and annotate Chapters 3 and 4 of Part II. Complete the novel by Tuesday!

2. (Due 10/19) Class Forum–Remember, bring a printed copy of your response into class.

2. THE STRANGER ESSAY
First Draft due Monday, Oct. 24
Final Draft due Wednesday, Oct. 26
3-4 page literary/philosophical analysis of The Stranger. You are expected to use The Myth of Sisyphus as a complement to your discussion.  Sisyphus is a philosophical commentary on The Stranger–Explore.  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.

Sample Intro (with thesis):

The Hour of Consciousness: Understanding God’s Judicial System

Albert Camus’ The Stranger juxtaposes the importance of God’s morality and the impact it has in the judicial system of an absurd reality, in which social code is rigid and behavior that strays from protocol is subject to scrutiny. In presenting this environment, Camus emphasizes a universal morality, swayed by God and superimposed over an individual’s unique perception of the world, such as Meursault, the protagonist. Others condemn this tragic hero to an unfortunate fate, validated by the belief that because an atheist is subordinate in the eyes of God, he must gradually come to understand the ubiquity of this singular morality. Much like Meursault, in Albert Camus’ The Myth of Sisyphus, Sisyphus is condemned to a fate he cannot control due to the social constructs of an absurd reality. Only when Sisyphus has reached the top of the hill with his boulder does he amount to what Camus calls, “the hour of consciousness”: essentially, the understanding of the absurdity of life. Camus’ placement of biased judicial figures gradually strengthens Meursault’s understanding of absurdity, illuminating the importance of the “hour of consciousness” in both articulating and refuting God’s ubiquitous morality.

Due 10/13: The Stranger

October 11, 2016 By

1. The Stranger–Read the first two chapters of Part II. Easy enough. Remember, to annotate as you  read. Know this: you will ultimately have to write an essay on this novel. More info to come.

Due 10/5: The Stranger and Class Forum

September 30, 2016 By

1. (Due 10/5) The Stranger–Read and annotate the first three chapters.

2. (Due 10/5) Class Forum–Discuss either Meursault’s characterization or the juxtaposition of these two relationships: Raymond/Mistress and Salamano/Dog. Keep the discussion pithy and focused (200 words). Quote the text.

3. (Due 10/6) The Stranger–Read and annotate the next three (4-6). This will take you to the end of Part I.

4. (Due 10/10) Class Forum

Update!

September 21, 2016 By

NO HW DUE TOMORROW!
Fun Possibility: Quiz tomorrow! Think Sartre…

Please be prepared to discuss Sartre tomorrow!

1. NOW DUE 9/27: Soren Kierkegaard–Read and annotate That Individual. Be sure you can articulate Kierkegaard’s thesis and supporting argument. The following week we will write our first précis. This requires that you have at least Control of the source article. Print out the précis detail sheet.

2. Due 9/28: Print out, read and annotate the following sections on Albert Camus:

  • Suicide, Absurdity, and Happiness: The Myth of Sisyphus
  • The Limits of Reason
  • Criticism of Existentialists
  • Happiness in Accepting One’s Fate

3. Due 9/28: Read and annotate The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus in the Packet.

4. The Stranger–If you would like to buy your own copy, buy this one!

 

HW due 3/22: The Stranger

March 21, 2016 By

1. The Stranger–We have two days to finish discussion of the novel. Tonight, all groups should ensure they are well-prepared for tomorrow’s student-led class discussion. Each group should have a clear, thoughtful discussion question born out of their assigned chapter. Additionally, as you prepare tonight, identify text that is relevant to a discussion of your question (in your assigned chapter and beyond). Further, you should create fitting follow-up questions that will add depth to the discussion. I want to see evidence of your preparation in your binder. If you have nothing in your binder, you have not prepared to lead class discussion and your participation/HW grade will reflect that.

2. (Due Thursday) Thus Spoke Zarathustra–Read and annotate this excerpt from Nietzsche’s Zarathustra. The reading is located in the packet. Be advised: it is dense. I would encourage you to read a discourse of two each night. Waiting until Wednesday night may not be a good idea.
3. (Due Monday, 3/28) 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.
4. Steppenwolf–If you can, please purchase your own copy. It’s a text that you will want to own (I think). Try and pick it up this weekend as we begin in the new week!

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