HW12C due 2/27: Man’s Search for Meaning

1. Man’s Search for Meaning–complete Part One of the text (ends on page 93). Remember, to annotate… Focus your annotations on points that you would like to raise during class discussion.
2. That Individual Precis now due Monday, March 2nd. 

HW12C due 2/23: Man’s Search for Meaning

1.  Man’s Search for Meaning–This is a very important text (for a number of reasons) so read it and read it closely. Read and annotate the first 65 pages!

2. Precis on That Individual due 2/27. Linked, you will find a helpful guidelines sheet. One amendment–Opening line should read as: In (Title of source), (Author) (a rhetorically accurate verb such as “assert,” “argue,” “suggest,” “imply,” “claim,” etc.) (THAT clause containing the major assertion or thesis statement of the work).

Have a meaningful, authentic break in thought and deed! In lieu of the Untruth, embrace the Truth! (surely I jest…?)

HW12 due 9/12: Man’s Search for Meaning In-Class Essay

What is Viktor Frankl’s view of the human condition?

Ultimately your objective for this essay is to craft a thesis reflecting Frankl’s view of the human condition. TONIGHT, you can write out the thesis for this essay.

The following are major players in his argument:

  1. Frankl titles Part II of his text “Logotherapy in a Nutshell.”  Scholars suggest his thesis here can be reduced to the Freidrich Nietzsche quote (Remember, Frankl himself cites it on numerous occasions):

“He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.”

  1. Inner life/value and spiritual freedom
  2. Discovering meaning in life in three different ways:
  • By creating a work or doing a deed
  • By experiencing something or encountering someone (Love)
  • By the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering

Your essay should demonstrate control/understanding of both Part I and Part II of the text. This essay is unlike English essays of the past!  Your thesis is actually what you believe to be Frankl’s argument. There should be no critical discussion!

Be sure to bring in your copy of Man’s Search for Meaning and your notes!

HW12 Man’s Search for Meaning

Man’s Search for Meaning Essay (4-5 pages)

Outline due Monday, March 17th
Essay due Thursday, March 20th

Frankl titles Part II of his text “Logotherapy in a Nutshell.”  Scholars suggest his thesis here can be reduced to the Freidrich Nietzsche quote (Remember, Frankl himself cites it on numerous occasions):

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”

Demonstrating control/understanding of Part II of the text, I want you to discuss how the above quote represents a “nutshell” version of Frankl’s logotherapy. While the focus of your discussion will be Part II, use examples from Part I to illustrate your discussion.  This essay is unlike English essays of the past!  Your thesis is actually what you believe to be Frankl’s argument.

Now the real challenge! I expect you to weave one of the academics/philosophers whom we have read thus far into the discussion. So, how does Sartre, Kierkegaard, Schopenhauer, Camus or Barrett help to shape the above discussion of Frankl’s philosophy?  IMPORTANT: While Sartre (for instance) is used to give some form to the discussion (i.e. helping to shape the thesis), the discussion is focused on exploring Frankl’s message and how he develops that message. While not necessary, I would encourage you to research Frankl further to give you further context.  Folks, I expect this essay to demonstrate great thematic/philosophical control of  both texts.  Waiting till the night before is probably not a good idea.  Your reading responses and annotations should prove to be quite beneficial here.  This should be typed in font size 12 (times new roman  or arial).  You should have a title!!!  The title should reflect your thesis.  If you have any questions, please email me.

HW12 due 3/7: Man’s Search for Meaning

1. Man’s Search for Meaning–We are now reading Part II. Read all sections up to page. 122 (Through Life’s Transitoriness). Please be prepared to contribute meaningfully to a discussion of these sections.
2. Goodreads Response (by midnight)