Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - PHIL 331 E100

Selected Topics (3)

Cosmic Horror & Pessimism

Class Number: 4556

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Tue, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    As stated by department at time of offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Cosmic Horror & Pessimism  

Prerequisites: At least one PHIL course.

If someone asks you, “How do you feel about life, in general?” would you respond by saying “IT IS MALIGNANTLY USELESS”? If you would, you might be a pessimist! Do you find the nature of reality itself more horrifying than anything supernatural could ever be? Then you might enjoy reading cosmic horror fiction!

In this course we will dive into the development of a subgenre of fiction known as ‘cosmic horror’ and its relationship with certain philosophical views. Over the course of the semester we will read a selection of short stories in the genre of horror and weird fiction, primarily from H.P. Lovecraft and Thomas Ligotti. We will interpret and interrogate some of the genre’s central themes, motivations and the philosophical outlook that informs it. In doing so we will examine works from all over the landscape of philosophy dealing with pessimism, nihilism, the absurd, theories of the self, anti-natalism, luck, and the nature of consciousness.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

 Students that took PHIL 331 in Summer 2019 can not repeat this course for additional credit, as it is the same topic.

Grading

  • Participation (weekly discussion questions) 10%
  • 2 Short Reflection Papers (2-3 pages) 30%
  • 2 Synopsis/Analysis Assignments (1-2 pages) 10%
  • Research Paper (7 – 10 pages) 50%

REQUIREMENTS:

Online presence is required during scheduled time.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Remote learning for this semester requires a computer or tablet, camera, microphone, and internet access. If students do not have reliable access, they should inform their instructor and contact the IT desk to see if a loaner computer can be arranged. There is one computer lab on campus for limited access. Classes will be conducted on Zoom. It is recommended that students use broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE) internet connection, with bandwidth of at least 1.5Mbps (upload and download).

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be provided online.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philmgr@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

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 SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.

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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.