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PHIL 102 Philosophy, Film and the Meaning of Life

Does human life have a meaning? If so, where or how can it be found? How should one live? What kind of people should we want to be? How does the nature of one's community and one's position in it affect one's answers to these questions? Do only certain kinds of communities offer opportunities for a good life? This course uses movies and philosophical essays from classical and contemporary sources to discuss these and other matters concerning life's meaning.
4 Undergraduate credits

Effective May 6, 2014 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Attain that understanding through an investigation of film and writings in philosophy and the humanities.
  • Be able to examine, articulate, and apply this newly developed understanding to their ethical views and understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship.
  • Develop a beginning understanding of critical analysis of work in philosophy.
  • Explore how these issues map onto the rights and responsibilities of citizens in American society
  • Understand approaches to crucial questions such as the bounds of moral obligation, the nature of justice and the role of liberty.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts

  • Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  • Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  • Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  • Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  • Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

Goal 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility

  • Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
  • Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.
  • Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.
  • Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.
  • Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Spring 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Philosophy, Film and the Meaning of Life Matthews, Mark Books for PHIL-102-50 Spring 2024 Course details for PHIL-102-50 Spring 2024

Summer 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Philosophy, Film and the Meaning of Life Matthews, Mark Books for PHIL-102-50 Summer 2024 Course details for PHIL-102-50 Summer 2024

Fall 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
50 Philosophy, Film and the Meaning of Life Matthews, Mark Books for PHIL-102-50 Fall 2024 Course details for PHIL-102-50 Fall 2024