PHIL 381.001 – Philosophy and Film

We will explore philosophical questions using films as texts. There will be a special focus on personality, memory, and romantic love. Our first viewing will be Inception (Christopher Nolan). We will also study work by Antonioni, Soderbergh, Akerman, Haneke, Kurosawa, Von Trier, and Gilliam. At least two films will be chosen by the students in the class. Although we will watch everything we study together in class, students are encouraged to do repeat viewings at home. Students will do a number of short, written exercises, participate in class discussion, and write a term paper.