Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - HUM 320 D100

Cross-Cultural Philosophy in the Humanities (4)

Class Number: 7540

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An exploration of the characteristic ways in which the humanities, with its emphasis on expression, belief and tradition, presents important philosophical concepts. Based upon an interdisciplinary selection of texts drawn from history, philosophy, literature and the arts. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:




There can be little doubt that fascism is on the rise not just in the United States, Canada and Europe but globally. A minimal, preliminary definition can be offered: Fascism emerges as a response to socio-economic crises and this takes the form of a root-and-branch rejection of liberal-democracy. But what are the deeper meanings of  the concepts “fascism,” “neo-fascism,” “post-fascism” and the “Alt-right”? How do they fit in relation to other ideologies such as conservatism, liberalism and socialism? How do contemporary usages maintain various continuities and breaks with their twentieth century counterparts? Through an analysis of historical documents, contemporary texts, artworks and film, this course will pose these and other questions. It will do so by situating fascism historically in the radical rejection of the universalist ideals, first articulated in the Enlightenment, of the French Revolution that took the form of the slogan “liberty, equality and freedom” and corresponding arguments for the natural inequality between individuals, religions, cultures and, ultimately, “races.”

Grading

  • Term paper (12 pages) 25%
  • Participation 25%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Portfolio 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Spectres of Fascism, Samir Gandesha (ed.)


The Fascism Reader, Aristotle A. Kallis (ed.)

Enzo Traverso, The Many Faces of Fascism


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).