Carleton College, Department of Philosophy
Philosophy 220: 00—Philosophy of Literature, Spring 2009

Instructor: Angela Curran
Office: Leighton 311
Phone: x4222
Office hours: Wednesday, 3:30-5 p.m. Friday, 4-5, and by appointment
Email: acurran@carleton.edu
Student TA: Nate Elsas (email: elsasn@carleton.edu)

Course description:
This class investigates some intriguing questions that philosophers have considered about literature. First, what is the definition of literature? Can we give a definition at all? Second, what is the basic function of literature and why does it engage and affect us so deeply? Does it invent entertaining lies? Does it offer real-life scenarios that are useful for our lives? Third, what sorts of perspectives do readers take on fictional narratives as they engage with them? Do we engage in make-believe? Do we simulate the mental states and feelings of characters? Do we imagine what it is like to be a character? Do we adopt the viewpoint of an “implied author”? Fourth, why should a writer who is interested in philosophical issues write a work of literature rather than a philosophical treatise? What is the difference, if any, between philosophy and literature? Is literature just a storehouse of examples or can it offer philosophical arguments and thought experiments? Can it present profound “truths” about our lives? Readings will be drawn from philosophy as well as some case materials, including several novels, short stories, and several films.

Course goals:
Whether you are a philosophy major or new to the discipline, this course will introduce you to some of the methods of philosophy through an examination of the philosophy of literature. You will also get practice in writing philosophy papers as well as in philosophical debating.
You will learn about three connections between philosophy and literature:
1. Philosophical approaches to the understanding of literary texts (their definition, function, and how we engage with them)
2. Philosophy in literature: what are some texts that invoke philosophical themes?
3. Philosophy versus literature: what is the difference between the methods of philosophy and those of literature? Are there important differences between these disciplines? Or are the differences insignificant?
Course materials:
Required:
(1) Philosophy of Literature: Contemporary and Classic Readings—An Anthology, edited by John and Lopes [in bookstore]
(2) Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice [
(3) Ian McEwan, Atonement
(4) Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus
(4) Electronic reserve readings: Information is on the Gould library web page. Readings are through password access.
(5) Films:
There Will Be Blood; American Beauty; Adaptation; Atonement
Film screenings will take place outside of class at time and dates announced on Moodle. If you cannot make the class screening, you can check out a copy of the film at library reserve. Even if you have seen these films very recently it is still a good idea to watch them again so you can think of the film content in relation to the course material.