English 2009 Literature and Human Values (4 Sections)
Section 001 CRN 90657
Vietto
Literature and Human Values: Love, Hate, Obsession 0900-0950 MWF
We will consider various works of writers and other artists—who are always trying to express the inexpressible and describe the indescribable—as they attempt to grapple with love, hate, and obsession. Requirements: willingness to read, participate, and carry on about love, hate, and obsession; 2-3 papers; midterm exam; final exam. (General Education)
Section 002 CRN 90658
McGregor
Literature and Human Values: Labor, Class, Power 1200-1250 MWF
We will consider various works of writers and other artists (filmmakers and musicians) who wrestle with profound questions of truth, justice, equality, and identity concerning the relationships between class structure, labor, and power systems. Requirements: reading, listening, film screenings, and enthusiastic discussion; 2-3 papers; midterm exam and final exam. (General Education)
Section 003 CRN 90659
Ames
Literature and Human Values: Faith, Survival, Progress 1100-1215 TR
This course will study narratives that wrestle with ethical concerns surrounding “progress” (societal achievements, technological advancement, scientific discoveries, etc.). Contemporary debates and specific issues addressed in this course will include: cloning, stem cell research, black market organ transplants, human trafficking, surveillance technology, and capital punishment. Students will analyze various fictional texts (novels, film, and television) that critique these issues. Class discussion will revolve around the following questions: what do we do when human survival and societal progress come at extreme costs, and how might such advancements question our faith in humanity? Students will read a variety of texts across media, including, but not limited to: Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go, Michael Bay’s The Island, Philip Dick’s “The Minority Report,” Alan Parker’s The Life of David Gayle, Miquel Sapochnik’s Repo Men, and Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse. Course work will include: response/analysis papers, two exams, a research paper, and presentations. (General Education)
Section 004 CRN 90660
Martinez
Literature and Human Values: Race, Age, Gender 1300-1350 MWF
In this course, we will consider various works of writers and filmmakers who wrestle with profound questions of truth, justice, equality, and identity concerning the relationships between race, age, and gender. Course requirements: enthusiastic discussion, 2-3 papers, and midterm / final examinations. (General Education)
