03 TTH5 CAC 25652 IAN MU-115
01-Insides/Outsides
We are going to have some serious intellectual fun by playing with the idea of interiority. We are fond of thinking of ourselves as "selves," minds or identities contained by our bodies, while beyond the envelope of our skin lies the "outside" world, and everything that is not us. Where does this idea come from? Is it natural, "constructed," or both? I don't expect we will answer these questions, but we will explore some of the ways writers have proclaimed, blurred, imagined, and erased such boudaries. Readings will be mostly turn of the 20th century to modern, will range in kid from psychoanalysis to parapsychology, and include literary texts.
Attendance: Three unexcused absences permitted.
Evaluation: Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the day's readings, and to lead one class discussion. Required writing: 9, 1-2 page "thought papers" (20%); 4-6 page paper (20%); 10-12 page final paper |
