Philosophy of Love

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Philosophy of Love with Professor Heidi M. S
zpek
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Course Description

• A study of various concepts of love as they
  occur in philosophy, literature and other
  cultural expressions. The nature of romantic
  love, eros, agape, friendship, and fellow
  feelings will be discussed.

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Required Texts

• Plato, The Symposium
• Indra Sinha, The Love Teachings of Kama Sutra
• Andrew M. Greeley Mary G. Durkin, The Book of
  Love A Treasury Inspired by the Greatest
  Virtues
  
• NOTE Recommended Websites

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Course Objectives

• To acquaint the student with the various
  connotations of the word love as expressed
  diachronically and synchronically in various
  cultures as informed by various disciplines.

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• More specifically, to bring the student to
  understand how the concept of love is discerned
  in the Classical World, through the reading of
  the Socratic dialogue in Platos Symposium, but
  acknowledge that the multi-semantic potential of
  Greek love both precedes and proceeds from
  these Classical discussion through select
  readings.

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• In particular the student will examine the love
  poetry from Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India and
  China as a means of exploring non-Western
  expressions of love.
• Furthermore, the student will explore the nature
  of love in both western and eastern religions
  through select readings of sacred literature in
  order to evaluate the nature of divine love and
  the human interaction with the divine in respect
  to love.

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• Drawing on numerous genres of literature, the
  student will come to understand that the various
  connotations of love can be discovered in the
  cycles of human existence.

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Unique Guest Speakers

• Philosopher Dr. Apple Igrek
• Priest Father Pope
• Psychologist Prof. Megan Matheson

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Consider ...

• Film
• Music

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Art ...
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And More Art
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Assessment

• Student will apply knowledge from readings,
  lectures and class discussion to write three
  response essays, composed in a crisp and succinct
  style typed, 1000 words (15 each total 45 )

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Student will apply knowledge in and outside the
classroom - by ultimately composing his/her phil
osophy of love presenting the most dynamic p
ortion to the class (25) - typed, 3000-4000 wo
rds - style research and response - casual pr
esentation at Final Exam - working in small group
s prepare and present a PowerPoint
Presentation reflecting a philosophy of love
(15) - contribute music and literary selections
when called upon (part of participation grade)
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• Student will gain a sense of what it means to
  philosophize in the search for the meaning of
  love and a personal philosophy of love, by
  gaining a sense of the interconnectedness of
  knowledge through time and diverse disciplines,
  as well as discover his/her place in the greater
  worldview. What each student derives from this
  search will likewise depend on his/her attendance
  and active participation (15)

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Grading Policy

• Response Essays 45
• Philosophy of Love
• w/presentation 25
• Small group presentation 15
• Attendance/Participation 15 100