PHIL 260 Film and Philosophy

This course uses film to explore the human search for meaning through analysis of philosophical issues and questions as expressed in a wide variety of worldviews. Focus is on major theories of reality (metaphysics), knowledge (epistemology) and value (axiology) and their relevance to the formation of personal and cultural values, including the application of these values in ethical decision making.  The lens and the canons of film studies are tools of analysis.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

1. Identify the human search for meaning and ethical living as found in a wide variety of fictional and non-fictional worldviews and organize understanding by recognizing and applying the categories used in Western philosophy: Metaphysics (especially Human Nature), Epistemology (especially intuitive ways of knowing), and Axiology (especially Ethics).
2. Consider the possibilities film offers for exploration of cross-cultural understandings of personhood, the search for knowledge and truth, the relationship between the individual and the state, and questions of ethics and freedom, including especially the shaping role of core beliefs and ethical values.
3. Analyze and evaluate the power of film as a medium for creatively raising and exploring philosophical questions and their impact on personal and cultural ethical values, using a current feature film with the power to invite imaginative engagement with the struggles of a central character.

Course Objectives

1. Identify the human search for meaning and ethical living as found in a wide variety of fictional and non-fictional worldviews and organize understanding by recognizing and applying the categories used in Western philosophy: Metaphysics (especially Human Nature), Epistemology (especially intuitive ways of knowing), and Axiology (especially Ethics).

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Weekly online discussions

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

   Critical Thinking

   • CT1
   • CT4

   Ethics Goals

   • ET1
2. Consider the possibilities film offers for exploration of cross-cultural understandings of personhood, the search for knowledge and truth, the relationship between the individual and the state, and questions of ethics and freedom, including especially the shaping role of core beliefs and ethical values.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Weekly online discussions

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

   Critical Thinking

   • CT2

   Ethics Goals

   • ET2
3. Analyze and evaluate the power of film as a medium for creatively raising and exploring philosophical questions and their impact on personal and cultural ethical values, using a current feature film with the power to invite imaginative engagement with the struggles of a central character.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Final assignment

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Critical and Creative Thinking Rubric

   Critical Thinking

   • CT3

   Ethics Goals

   • ET3