Archives for February 10, 2014

HW12 due 2/13: Existentialism is a Humanism

February 10, 2014 By

1. Existentialism is a Humanism–Jean Paul Sartre is often the first name to come to mind when one considers Existentialism. His brand of atheistic existentialism so dominates the existential landscape that one forgets that the “first existentialist” Kierkegaard was indeed a theist. Nevertheless, Sartre’s essay most clearly defines the existential mindset. It becomes a fundamental piece of this course’s foundation.   Additionally, his essay establishes some of the tenets of existentialism that are universally applicable.  Read and ANNOTATE! Be sure you are able to discuss the four reproaches of existentialism and his defense against those reproaches.

2.For Friday–Read and print out Kierkegaard’s Ethics and Religion (ONLY THOSE TWO SECTIONS…short but dense). Also, read and annotate That Individual (in the packet).

HW10 due 2/11 (2/12 for 10G): The Alchemist

February 10, 2014 By

1. Complete The Alchemist–For the sake of tomorrow’s discussion keep in mind the two videos played today.
2. Two thesis statements due Wednesday (In text/Out of text). As I hope you remember, I am most interested in the process. Also, remember this is a two page essay.

As I said in class, if you put thought into your question posted this weekend, you should be able to use it or some variation of it for your thesis and subsequent essay. Examples of thoughtful questions that lend themselves to focused discussions of this text:

  • In remembering the beginning of the Alchemist there is a short story about a character named Narcissus. Since everything in the book is so carefully crafted in order to support the greater themes and lessons, how does the story of Narcissus relate to the broader message of The Alchemist?
  • What does Paulo Coelho hope to convey through the personification of Santiago’s heart?
  • How does alchemy/the alchemist help to shape the novel’s theme?

3. Remember, this week is random acts of kindness week!
4. UPDATE: A family member literally just posted this Alchemist quotation on Facebook: “There is only one way to learn; it’s through action.”  Coincidence? Or the soul of the world at play…?