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PHIL 218

I. Course Title: Film & Philosophy (GE)

II. Course Number: PHIL 218

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: None

V. Course Description: 

The course combines the study of classic and timely films with selections by philosophers and others which illuminate the director鈥檚 themes and issues. These pairings work together both to engage philosophical thought through popular culture, to exhibit the relevance and timeliness of philosophy, and to illuminate the study of intellectually rich films and of culturally diverse film-makers.

Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Films, both fictional and documentary, often reflect upon aspects of the human condition. This course primarily illuminates the philosophical issues explored through particular films, aiming to enable students to develop both deeper analysis of intellectually challenging films, and greater appreciation of the social relevance of philosophical reasoning. The course addresses timely, socially-relevant philosophical questions through primary source readings, and their pairing with contemporary films. Reading selections from historical and contemporary thinkers will be matched with the works of intellectually diverse film-makers. Featured or optional films will include minority and women directors, and the films themselves may include documentary as well as fictional films/series. Specific focal philosophical readings and films may vary with each section or instructor.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

Course format allows for both tradition and online (DR) delivery of the course. This course will include careful examination of primary and secondary sources. As with other 200-level course in philosophy, learning activities students may include, but are not limited to, a combination of the following:

  1. Lecture and discussion led by the instructor
  2. Small group discussion
  3. Formal or informal debates
  4. Individual and group oral presentations
  5. Informal and formal writing assignments
  6. Journals
  7. Individual and collaborative research activities involving library and Internet searches
  8. Written and oral analysis of cases and/or texts
  9. Written summaries/evaluations of out-of-class events
  10. Guest lecturers/presenters

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

  1. Identify major philosophical thinkers and the theories and movements they fostered.
  2. Demonstrate analytical writing skills through focus on philosophical issues and arguments. 
  3. Critically evaluate philosophical arguments, through examining multiple sides of a complex problem or debate.
  4. Demonstrate verbal reasoning skills, through expression of diverse perspectives within humanistic inquiry. 

VIII. Assessment Measures:

A variety of assessment tools will be used.  These may include quizzes/exams, writing assignments, presentations, and research papers, among others.

Review and Approval

August 2020

March 01, 2021

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