Spring 2018 - HUM 321W D100
The Humanities of Critical Thinking (4)
Class Number: 4377
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Wayne Knights
wknights@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
45 units.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A study of the counter-traditions within western civilization. Compares and contrasts diverse traditions within western culture that critique its central value systems. It will focus on the attempts of great artists and thinkers to break with tradition, and the subsequent creation of new ideas and forms of experience and expression. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
COURSE DETAILS:
Some periods of Western history are more notable for the restless criticism of its own ideals than others, and the period after World War II certainly qualifies. In the wake of occupation, war, and resistance, the critical rebuilding of a new and reformed French Republic was accompanied by an eruption of innovative political, aesthetic, and philosophical activity. But the building of a Republic that might reflect these tendencies also confronted pressures for decolonization in colonies that the French elite were loath to give up. This would lead to war in Vietnam and Algeria, and a variety of other conflicts. In that context, elements of a critical discourse both in France and in its colonies developed that responded to the desire of the French state to maintain its empire, bringing in to question not only the project of empire but the traditional values and ideas sustaining the civilization that supported it. Through this particular lens, general debates that engage the humanites around the critique of racism, third worldism, and colonialism will appear. Accompanying this is a construction of values and ideas sustaining critical projects in the future. Each student will be required to write three essays based on the required readings. There will also be a presentation in class on aspects of the readings supplementing the participation grade.
Grading
- Three Essays 80%
- Presentation & Participation 20%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Aimé Césaire, Return to my Native Land Jean-Paul
Sartre, Black Orpheus (online)
Frantz Fanon, The Wretched of the Earth
Albert Camus, The Stranger
Kamel Daoud, The Meursault Investigation
Alek Baylee Toumi, Madah-Sartre: The Kidnapping, Trial and Conver(sat/s)ion of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
Selected Readings (online)
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS