COURSE NAME: Philosophy in Literature

SCHOOL DISTRICT: Sharon Springs

INSTRUCTOR: Helen A. Lane

Full Year

COURSE PREREQUISITES: English 10 and Above 

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION / OUTLINE:

Basically thematic in approach, the concentration throughout the literary materials is upon the individual perspective each writer brings to one or more of four values.

Included are excerpts from the work of twelve philosophers who have discussed the values of

• Truth
• Beauty
• Goodness
• Commitment

The corresponding literary selections (poetry, drama, fiction) allow students to view the philosophy and literary selections as two basically different kinds of approach to similar questions such as "What is Truth" or "What is good for Man?"

The text is PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE by Cameron Thompson.

Two objectives for the course are: Critical Analysis and Evaluation and Writing as a Process.

The literary study will include the study of all significant elements that should be analyzed in any work of literature such as:

• Meaning
• Point of View
• Tone
• Style

The students learn how each of the literary elements contribute to the meaning of the work The critical approach is that of the reader/response theory.

The reading material is provocative and should elicit student interest and response. Study guides and study questions will be provided.

The assumption is that good readers will be good writers. Reading response journals, a three page paper, and short responses will be expected. We will go through the process of learning how to formulate and develop ideas and how to present effective arguments in the writing. Content will cover meaning, development, organization, language use, and conventions which follow the ELA and AP writing and reading protocols.

OTHER NOTES / MISCELLANEOUS:

4/10/05